EP3345490B1

EP3345490B1 - Beverage comprising rebaudioside x

Info

Publication number: EP3345490B1
Application number: EP17193711.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Indra Prakash; Avetik Markosyan; Venkata Sai Prakash Chaturvedulla; Mary Campbell; Rafael SAN MIGUEL; Siddhartha Purkayastha; Marquita JOHNSON
Original assignee: PureCircle Sdn Bhd; Coca Cola Co
Current assignee: PureCircle Sdn Bhd; Coca Cola Co
Priority date: 2011-12-19
Filing date: 2012-12-19
Publication date: 2023-11-08
Anticipated expiration: 2032-12-19
Also published as: CA2859681C; BR122020009091B1; JP7086446B2; JP2020172490A; BR112014014965B1; PL2793618T3; RU2599166C2; US20210147463A1; WO2013096420A1; AU2021202135A1; AU2016204928A1; MX348181B; PH12014501404B1; EP3009010B1; HUE036968T2; US20160031924A9; HK1257995A1; CA3152828A1; RS56884B1; EP2793618A1

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to beverages comprising Rebaudioside X (Reb X).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Natural caloric sugars, such as sucrose, fructose and glucose, are utilized to provide a pleasant taste to beverages, foods, pharmaceuticals, and oral hygienic/cosmetic products. Sucrose, in particular, imparts a taste preferred by consumers. Although sucrose provides superior sweetness characteristics, it is caloric. Non-caloric or low caloric sweeteners have been introduced to satisfy consumer demand. However, sweeteners within this class differ from natural caloric sugars in ways that continue to frustrate consumers. On a taste basis, non-caloric or low caloric sweeteners exhibit a temporal profile, maximal response, flavor profile, mouth feel, and/or adaptation behavior that differ from sugar. Specifically, non-caloric or low caloric sweeteners exhibit delayed sweetness onset, lingering sweet aftertaste, bitter taste, metallic taste, astringent taste, cooling taste and/or licorice-like taste. On a source basis, many non-caloric or low caloric sweeteners are synthetic chemicals. The desire for a natural non-caloric or low caloric sweetener that tastes like sucrose remains high.
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial shrub of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family native to certain regions of South America. Its leaves have been traditionally used for hundreds of years in Paraguay and Brazil to sweeten local teas and medicines. The plant is commercially cultivated in Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, China, Israel, India, Brazil, Australia and Paraguay.
The leaves of the plant contain a mixture containing diterpene glycosides in an amount ranging from about 10 to 20% of the total dry weight. These diterpene glycosides are about 150 to 450 times sweeter than sugar. Structurally, the diterpene glycosides are characterized by a single base, steviol, and differ by the presence of carbohydrate residues at positions C13 and C19, as presented in FIGS. 2a-2k. Typically, on a dry weight basis, the four major steviol glycosides found in the leaves of Stevia are Dulcoside A (0.3%), Rebaudioside C (0.6-1.0%), Rebaudioside A (3.8%) and Stevioside (9.1%). Other glycosides identified in Stevia extract include Rebaudioside B, D, E, and F, Steviolbioside and Rubusoside. Among these, only Stevioside and Rebaudioside A are available on a commercial scale. Though, US2011183056 details the analysis and identification of minor rebaudioside components isolated from Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni including rebaudioside M (X); Masaya Ohta "Characterization of Novel Steviol Glycosides from Leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Morita" (J. Appl. Glycosci., 57, 199-209 (2010)) details the analysis and identification of minor rebaudioside components isolated from Stevia rebaudiana Morita including rebaudioside M (X) and a proposed structure for rebaudioside M; and US2010316782 relates to compositions including rebaudioside D and processes to produce rebaudioside D.
Steviol glycosides can be extracted from leaves using either water or organic solvent extraction. Supercritical fluid extraction and steam distillation methods have also been described. Methods for the recovery of diterpene sweet glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana using supercritical CO₂, membrane technology, and water or organic solvents, such as methanol and ethanol, may also be used. WO2013176738 relates to methods for obtaining high-purity rebaudioside A, rebaudioside D and/or rebaudioside X, and the use of these rebaudiosides as sweeteners, for example in beverages. The use of steviol glycosides has been limited to date by certain undesirable taste properties, including licorice taste, bitterness, astringency, sweet aftertaste, bitter aftertaste, licorice aftertaste, and become more prominent with increase of concentration. These undesirable taste attributes are particularly prominent in carbonated beverages, where full replacement of sugar requires concentrations of steviol glycosides that exceed 500 mg/L. Use at that level results in significant deterioration in the final product taste.
Accordingly, there remains a need to develop natural reduced or non-caloric sweeteners that provide a temporal and flavor profile similar to that of sucrose.
There remains a further need to develop sweetened compositions, such as beverages, that contain natural reduced or non-caloric sweeteners that provide a temporal and flavor profile similar to that of sucrose.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a beverage comprising from 100 ppm to 600 ppm of the steviol glycoside Reb X:
Sweetener compositions comprising Reb X are also disclosed herein.
In one embodiment, Reb X is present in an effective amount to provide a sweetness equivalence from about 0.5 to about 14 degrees Brix of sucrose when present in a sweetened composition. In another embodiment, Reb X is present in an effective amount to provide a sucrose equivalence of greater than about 10% when present in a sweetened composition.
Reb X can be used in any form. Reb X may be the sole sweetener in a sweetener composition. Reb X may be provided as part of a composition or mixture. Reb X may be provided in a Stevia extract, wherein the Reb X component constitutes from about 5% to about 99% of the Stevia extract by weight on a dry basis. Reb X may be provided in a mixture of steviol glycosides, wherein Reb X constitutes from about 5% to about 99% of the steviol glycoside mixture by weight on a dry basis.
The sweetener compositions can also contain one or more additional sweeteners, including, for example, natural sweeteners, high potency sweeteners, carbohydrate sweeteners, synthetic sweeteners and combinations thereof.
Particularly desirable sweetener compositions comprise Reb X and a compound selected from the group consisting of Reb A, Reb B, Reb D, NSF-02, mogroside V, erythritol or combinations thereof.
The sweetener compositions can also contain on or more additives including, for example, carbohydrates, polyols, amino acids and their corresponding salts, poly-amino acids and their corresponding salts, sugar acids and their corresponding salts, nucleotides, organic acids, inorganic acids, organic salts including organic acid salts and organic base salts, inorganic salts, bitter compounds, flavorants and flavoring ingredients, astringent compounds, proteins or protein hydrolysates, surfactants, emulsifiers, flavonoids, alcohols, polymers and combinations thereof.
The sweetener compositions can also contain one or more functional ingredients, such as, for example, saponins, antioxidants, dietary fiber sources, fatty acids, vitamins, glucosamine, minerals, preservatives, hydration agents, probiotics, prebiotics, weight management agents, osteoporosis management agents, phytoestrogens, long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols, phytosterols and combinations thereof.
The beverages of the invention contain a liquid matrix, such as, for example, deionized water, distilled water, reverse osmosis water, carbon-treated water, purified water, demineralized water, phosphoric acid, phosphate buffer, citric acid, citrate buffer and carbon-treated water.
Full-calorie, mid-calorie, low-calorie and zero-calorie beverages containing Reb X are also provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention. The drawings illustrate the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows the chemical structure of steviol glycosides in the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves.
FIGS. 2a-2k show the chemical structures of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni glycosides.
FIGS. 3a, 3b show HPLC traces of Reb X at various stages of purification. 3a shows the HPLC trace of 80% pure Reb X. 3b shows the HPLC trace of 97% Reb X (HPLC conditions provided in "Eluting the adsorbed steviol glycosides" section).
FIG. 4 shows the HPLC trace of Reb A, Reb B, Reb C, Reb D, Reb F, Stevioside, Dulcoside A, Steviolbioside and Rubusoside reference standards (HPLC conditions provided in "Eluting the adsorbed steviol glycosides" section).
FIG. 5 . shows the FTIR spectrum of Reb X.
FIG. 6a , 6b shows the high resolution spectral data for Reb X.
FIG. 7a , 7b shows the ¹³C NMR spectrum of Reb X (150 MHz, C₅D₅N).
FIG. 8a , 8b , 8c shows the ¹H NMR spectrum of Reb X (600 MHz, C₅D₅N).
FIG. 9 . shows the ¹H-¹H COSY spectrum of Reb X (600 MHz, C₅D₅N).
FIG. 10 . shows the HNLBC spectrum of Reb X (600 MHz, C₅D₅N).
FIG. 11 . shows a sensory comparison of Reb X and Reb A in filtered water.
FIG. 12 . shows a sensory comparison of Reb X and Reb A in acidified water.
FIG. 13 . shows a sensory comparison of Reb X and NSF-02 at various concentrations in acidified water.
FIG. 14 . shows a sensory comparison of Reb X and Reb B at various concentrations in acidified water.
FIG. 15 . shows as sensory comparison of Reb X and Mogroside V at various concentrations in acidified water.
FIG. 16 . shows a sensory comparison of Reb X and erythritol at various concentrations in acidified water.
FIG. 17 . shows a sensory comparison of (i) Reb X, (ii) Reb X and Reb A and (iii) Reb X and Reb D at various concentrations in acidified water.
FIG. 18 . shows a sensory comparison of (i) Reb X, (ii) Reb X, Reb X and Reb D and (iii) Reb X, Reb Band Reb D at various concentrations in acidified water.
FIG 19 . shows the chemical structure of Reb X.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term "steviol glycoside(s)" refers to glycosides of steviol, including, naturally occurring steviol glycosides, e.g. Rebaudioside A, Rebaudioside B, Rebaudioside C, Rebaudioside D, Rebaudioside E, Rebaudioside F, Rebaudioside X, Stevioside, Steviolbioside, Dulcoside A, Rubusoside, etc. or synthetic steviol glycosides, e.g. enzymatically glucosylated steviol glycosides and combinations thereof.
As used herein, the term "total steviol glycosides" (TSG) is calculated as the sum of the content of all steviol glycosides on a dry (anydrous) basis, including, for example, Rebaudioside A (Reb A), Rebaudioside B (Reb B), Rebaudioside C (Reb C), Rebaudioside D (Reb D), Rebaudioside E (Reb E), Rebaudioside F (Reb F), Rebaudioside X (Reb X), Stevioside, Steviolbioside, Dulcoside A and Rubusoside.
As used herein, the term "Reb X / TSG ratio" is calculated as the ratio of Reb X and TSG content on a dry basis as per the formula below: $\{Reb \times content (% dry basis) / TSG content (% dry basis)\} \times 100 %$
As used herein, the term "solution of steviol glycosides" refers to any solution containing a solvent and steviol glycosides. One example of a solution of steviol glycosides is the resin-treated filtrate obtained from purification of Stevia rebaudiana plant material (e.g. leaves), described below, or by-products of other steviol glycosides' isolation and purification processes. Another example of a solution of steviol glycosides is a commercially available stevia extract brought into solution with a solvent. Yet another example of a solution of steviol glycosides is a commercially available mixture of steviol glycosides brought into solution with a solvent.
A method for purifying Reb X comprises:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides; and
(b) eluting fractions with high Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution with high Reb X content.

Another method for purifying Reb X comprises:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) removing impurities from the multi-column system; and
(c) eluting fractions with high Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution with high Reb X content.

Another method for purifying Reb X comprises:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) eluting fractions with high Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution with high Reb X content;
(c) decolorizing the eluted solution with high Reb X content to provide a first adsorption solution; and
(d) removing the alcoholic solvent from the first adsorption solution and passing the remaining solution through a column with a macroporous adsorbent to provide a second adsorption solution.

Another method for purifying Reb X comprises:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) removing impurities from the multi-column system;
(c) eluting fractions with high Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution with high Reb X content;
(d) decolorizing the eluted solution with high Reb X content to provide a first adsorption solution; and
(e) removing the alcoholic solvent from the first adsorption solution and passing the remaining solution through a column with a macroporous adsorbent to provide a second adsorption solution.

Another method for purifying Reb X comprises:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin, to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) eluting fractions with high Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution with high Reb X content; and
(c) deionizing the solution.

Another method for purifying Reb X comprises:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) removing impurities from the multi-column system;
(c) eluting fractions with high Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution with high Reb X content; and
(c) deionizing the solution.

Another method for purifying Reb X comprises:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) eluting fractions with high Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution with high Reb X content;
(c) decolorizing the eluted solution with high Reb X content to provide a first adsorption solution;
(d) removing the alcoholic solvent from the first adsorption solution and passing the remaining solution through a column with a macroporous adsorbent to provide a second adsorption solution; and
(e) deionizing the second adsorption solution.

Another method for purifying Reb X comprises:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) removing impurities from the multi-column system;
(c) eluting fractions with high Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution with high Reb X content;
(d) decolorizing the eluted solution with high Reb X content to provide a first adsorption solution;
(e) removing the alcoholic solvent from the first adsorption solution and passing the remaining solution through a column with a macroporous adsorbent to provide a second adsorption solution; and
(f) deionizing the second adsorption solution.

Removal of the alcoholic solvent from any of the above-mentioned processes relating to Reb X purification provides a high Reb X content mixture. Subsequent removal of aqueous solvent provides a high Reb X content mixture containing from about 30% to about 40% solids content, as discussed in the "Concentration" section below. Alternatively, substantially all of the solvent can removed to provide a dry powder with high Reb X content.
A method for purifying Reb X comprises:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) removing impurities from the multi-column system;
(c) eluting fractions with high Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution with high Reb X content;
(d) decolorizing the eluted solution with high Reb X content to provide a first adsorption solution;
(e) removing the alcoholic solvent from the first adsorption solution and passing the remaining solution through a column with a macroporous adsorbent to provide a second adsorption solution;
(f) deionizing the second adsorption solution; and
(g) removing the alcoholic solvent to provide a high Reb X content mixture.

Further removal of aqueous solvents provides a high Reb X content mixture containing from about 30% to about 40% solids content, as discussed in the "Concentration" section. Alternatively, substantially all of the solvent can removed to provide a dry powder with high Reb X content.
A method for purifying steviol glycosides includes:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides; and
(b) eluting fractions with low Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution of steviol glycosides.

A more specific method for purifying steviol glycosides includes:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) removing impurities from the multi-column system; and
(c) eluting fractions with low Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution of steviol glycosides.

Another method for purifying steviol glycosides includes:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) eluting fractions with low Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution of steviol glycosides;
(c) decolorizing the eluted solution to provide a first adsorption solution; and
(d) removing the alcoholic solvent from the first adsorption solution and passing the remaining solution through a column with a macroporous adsorbent to provide a second adsorption solution.

A more specific method for purifying steviol glycosides includes:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) removing impurities from the multi-column system;
(c) eluting fractions with low Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution of steviol glycosides;
(d) decolorizing the eluted solution to provide a first adsorption solution; and
(e) removing the alcoholic solvent from the first adsorption solution and passing the remaining solution through a column with a macroporous adsorbent to provide a second adsorption solution.

Still another method for purifying steviol glycosides includes:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) eluting fractions with low Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution of steviol glycosides; and
(c) deionizing the solution.

A more specific method for purifying steviol glycosides includes:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) removing impurities from the multi-column system;
(c) eluting fractions with low Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution of steviol glycosides; and
(d) deionizing the solution.

Yet another method for purifying steviol glycosides includes:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) eluting fractions with low Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution of steviol glycosides;
(c) decolorizing the eluted solution to provide a first adsorption solution;
(d) removing the alcoholic solvent from the first adsorption solution and passing the remaining solution through a column with a macroporous adsorbent to provide a second adsorption solution; and
(e) deionizing the second adsorption solution.

A more specific method for purifying steviol glycosides includes:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) removing impurities from the multi-column system;
(c) eluting fractions with low Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution of steviol glycosides;
(d) decolorizing the eluted solution to provide a first adsorption solution;
(e) removing the alcoholic solvent from the first adsorption solution and passing the remaining solution through a column with a macroporous adsorbent to provide a second adsorption solution; and
(f) deionizing the second adsorption solution.

The eluted solution of steviol glycosides (decolorized and/or deionized) can be partially or fully dried, i.e. the solvent can be partially or completely removed to provide a semi- or entirely dry powder, as provided below in the "Concentration" section. Complete removal of the solvent may provide a purified mixture of steviol glycosides with total steviol glycoside content greater than about 95% on a dry basis.
Yet another method for purifying steviol glycosides includes:

(a) passing a solution of steviol glycosides through a multi-column system including a plurality of columns packed with an adsorbent resin to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides;
(b) removing impurities from the multi-column system;
(c) eluting fractions with low Reb X content from the at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides to provide an eluted solution of steviol glycosides;
(d) decolorizing the eluted solution to provide a first adsorption solution;
(e) removing the alcoholic solvent from the first adsorption solution and passing the remaining solution through a column with a macroporous adsorbent to provide a second adsorption solution;
(f) deionizing the second adsorption solution; and
(g) removing the solvent from the solution to provide a purified steviol glycoside mixture with at least about 95% by weight total steviol glycosides.

Preparing the solution of steviol glycosides

Although the process for obtaining Reb X from Stevia rebaudiana leaves is described herein, those of skill in the art will recognize that the techniques described hereafter also apply to other starting materials containing Reb X, including, commercially available stevia extracts, commercially available steviol glycoside mixtures, by-products of other steviol glycosides' isolation and purification processes of the same.
Those of skill in the art will also recognize that certain steps described below, such as "separating insoluble material", "removal of high molecular weight compounds and insoluble particles" and "removing salts" may be omitted when the starting materials do not contain insoluble material and/or high molecular weight compounds and/or salts. For example, in cases when already purified starting materials are used, such as commercially available stevia extracts, commercially available steviol glycoside mixtures, by-products of other steviol glycosides' isolation and purification processes of the same, one or more of the aforementioned steps may be omitted.
Those experienced in art will also understand that although the process described below assumes certain order of the described steps this order can be altered in some cases.
The process described herein provides for complete retreatment of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant extract, with isolation and purification of a highly purified steviol glycoside mixture or highly purified individual sweet glycosides, such as Rebaudioside X. The plant extract can be obtained using any method such as, the extraction methods described in U.S. Patent No. 7,862,845 , as well as membrane filtration, supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, microorganism-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, etc.
The solution of steviol glycosides may be prepared from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves by contacting the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant material with solvent to produce a crude extract, separating insoluble material from the crude extract to provide a first filtrate containing steviol glycosides, treating the first filtrate to remove high molecular weight compounds and insoluble particles, thereby providing a second filtrate containing steviol glycosides and treating the second filtrate with an ion-exchange resin to remove salts to provide a resin-treated filtrate.
The Stevia rebaudiana plant material (e.g. leaves) may be dried at temperatures between about 20°C to about 60°C until a moisture content between about 5% and about 8% is reached. The plant material may be dried between about 20°C and about 60°C for a period of time from about 1 to about 24 hours, such as, for example, between about 1 to about 12 hours, between about 1 to about 8 hours, between about 1 to about 5 hours or between about 2 hours to about 3 hours. The plant material may be dried at temperatures between about 40°C to about 45°C to prevent decomposition.
The dried plant material is optionally milled. Particle sizes may be between about 10 to about 20 mm.
The amount of Reb X in the plant material of the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni can vary. Generally speaking, Reb X should be present in an amount of at least about 0.001% by weight on an anhydrous basis.
The plant material (milled or unmilled) may be extracted by any suitable extraction process, such as, for example, continuous or batch reflux extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, microorganism-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, etc. The solvent used for the extraction can be any suitable solvent, such as for example, polar organic solvents (degassed, vacuumed, pressurized or distilled), non-polar organic solvents, water (degassed, vacuumed, pressurized, deionized, distilled, carbon-treated or reverse osmosis) or a mixture thereof. The solvent may comprise water and one or more alcohols. The solvent may be water. The solvent may be one or more alcohols.
The plant material may be extracted with water in a continuous reflux extractor. One of skill in the art will recognize the ratio of extraction solvent to plant material will vary based on the identity of the solvent and the amount of plant material to be extracted. Generally, the ratio of extraction solvent to kilogram of dry plant material is from about 20 liters to about 25 liters to about one kilogram of leaves.
The pH of the extraction solvent can be between about pH 2.0 and 7.0, such as, for example, between about pH 2.0 and about pH 5.0, between about pH 2.0 and about pH 4.0 or between about pH 2.0 and about pH 3.0. The extraction solvent may be aqueous, e.g. water and, optionally, acid and/or base in an amount to provide a pH between about pH 2.0 and 7.0, such as, for example, between about pH 2.0 and about pH 5.0, between about pH 2.0 and about pH 4.0 or between about pH 2.0 and about pH 3.0. Any suitable acid or base can be used to provide the desired pH for the extraction solvent, such as, for example, HCl, NaOH, citric acid.
The extraction may be carried out at temperatures between about 25°C and about 90°C, such as, for example, between about 30°C and about 80°C, between about 35°C and about 75°C, between about 40°C and about 70°C, between about 45°C and about 65°C or between about 50°C and about 60°C.
Where the extraction process is a batch extraction process, the duration of extraction may range from about 0.5 hours to about 24 hours, such as, for example, from about 1 hour to about 12 hours, from about 1 hour to about 8 hours, or from about 1 hour to about 6 hours.
Where the extraction process is a continuous process, the duration of extraction may range from about 1 hour to about 5 hours, such as, for example, from about 2.5 hours to about 3 hours.
After extraction, the insoluble plant material may be separated from the solution by filtration to provide a filtrate containing steviol glycosides, referred to herein as a "first filtrate containing steviol glycosides". Separation can be achieved by any suitable means including, gravity filtration, a plate-and-frame filter press, cross flow filters, screen filters, Nutsche filters, belt filters, ceramic filters, membrane filters, microfilters, nanofilters, ultrafilters or centrifugation. Optionally various filtration aids such as diatomaceous earth, bentonite, zeolite etc, may also be used in this process.
After separation, the pH of the first filtrate containing steviol glycosides may be adjusted to remove additional impurities. The pH of the first filtrate containing steviol glycosides can be adjusted to between about 8.5 and about 10.0 by treatment with a base, such as, for example, calcium oxide or hydroxide (about 1.0% from the volume of filtrate) with slow agitation.
Treatment of the first filtrate with the base, as set forth above, results in a suspension, the pH of which can be adjusted to about 3.0 to about 4.0 by treatment with any suitable flocculation/coagulation agent. Suitable flocculation/coagulation agents include, for example, potassium alum, aluminum sulfate, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum oxide, CO₂, H₃PO₄, P₂O₅, MgO, SO₂, anionic polyacrylamides, quaternary ammonium compounds with long-chain fatty acid substitutents, bentonite, diatomaceous earth, KemTab Sep series, Superfloc series, KemTab Flote series, Kemtalo Mel series, Midland PCS-3000, Magnafloc LT-26, Zuclar 100, Prastal 2935, Talofloc, Magox, soluble ferrous salts or a combination thereof. Exemplary ferrous salts include, FeSO₄, FeCl₂, Fe(NO₃)₃, Fe(SO₄)₃, FeCl₃ and combinations thereof. The ferrous salt may be FeCl_3. The filtrate may be treated with the flocculation/coagulation agent for a duration of time between about 5 minutes to about 1 hour, such as, for example, from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 20 minutes or from about 10 minutes to about 15 minutes. Stirred or slow agitation can also be used to facilitate treatment. Optionally, the pH of resultant mixture may then be adjusted to between about 8.5 and about 9.0 with a base, such as, for example, calcium oxide or sodium hydroxide. The duration of time for treatment with base, and optionally, with agitation, is between about 5 minutes to about 1 hour, such as, for example, from about 10 minutes to about 50 minutes, from about 15 minutes to about 45 minutes, from about 20 minutes to about 40 minutes or from about 25 minutes to about 35 minutes. In a particular process, the base is calcium oxide used for a between about 15 and about 40 minutes with slow agitation.
Precipitated high molecular weight compounds and insoluble particles are separated from the mixture to provide second filtrate containing steviol glycosides. Separation can be achieved by any suitable means including, gravity filtration, a plate-and-frame filter press, cross flow filters, screen filters, Nutsche filters, belt filters, ceramic filters, membrane filters, microfilters, nanofilters, ultrafilters or centrifugation. Optionally various filtration aids such as diatomaceous earth, bentonite, zeolite etc, may be used in this process.
The second filtrate containing steviol glycosides may then be subjected to preliminary deionization by any suitable method including, for example, electrodialysis, filtration (nano- or ultra-filtration), reverse osmosis, ion exchange, mixed bed ion exchange or a combination of such methods. In one process, the second filtrate containing steviol glycosides is deionized by treatment with one or more ion exchange resins to provide a resin-treated filtrate. In one process, the second filtrate containing steviol glycosides is passed through a strong acid cation exchange resin. In another process, the second filtrate containing steviol glycosides is passed through a weak base anion-exchange resin. In still another process, the second filtrate containing steviol glycosides is passed through a strong acid cation-exchange resin followed by a weak base anion-exchange resin. In yet another process, the second filtrate containing steviol glycosides is passed through a weak base anion-exchange resin followed by a strong acid cation-exchange resin.
The cation-exchange resin can be any strong acid cation-exchanger where the functional group is, for example, sulfonic acid. Suitable strong acid cation-exchange resins are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, Rohm & Haas Amberlite ^® 10 FPC22H resin, which is a sulfonated divinyl benzene styrene copolymer, Dowex^® ion exchange resins available from Dow Chemical Company, 15 Serdolit^® ion exchange resins available from Serva Electrophoresis GmbH, T42 strong acidic cation exchange resin and A23 strong base an ion exchange resin available from Qualichem, Inc., and Lewatit strong ion exchange resins available from Lanxess. In a particular process, the strong acid cation-exchange resin is Amberlite ^® 10 FPC22H resin (H⁺). As would be known to those skilled in the art, other suitable strong acid cation-exchange resins are commercially available.
The anion-exchange resin can be any weak base anion-exchanger where the functional group is, for example, a tertiary amine. Suitable weak base anion exchange resins are known in the art and include, resins such as Amberlite-FPA53 (OH^-), Amberlite IRA-67, Amberlite IRA-95, Dowex 67, Dowex 77 and Diaion WA 30 may be used. In a particular process, the strong acid cation-exchange resin is Amberlite-FPA53 (OH^-) resin. As would be known to those skilled in the art, other suitable weak base anion-exchange resins are commercially available.
In a particular process, the second filtrate containing steviol glycosides is passed through a strong acid cation-exchange resin, e.g. Amberlite^® 10 FPC22H resin (H⁺), followed by a weak base anion-exchange resin, e.g. Amberlite-FPA53 (OH^-), to provide a resin-treated filtrate. The specific velocity (SV) through one or more of the ion exchange columns can be between about 0.01 to about 5 hour ^-1, such as, for example between about 0.05 to about 4 hour ^-1, between about 1 and about 3 hour ^-1 or between about 2 and about 3 hour ^-1. In a particular process, the specific velocity through the one or more ion exchange columns is about 0.8 hour ^-1. Following completion of passing the second filtrate containing steviol glycosides through one or more ion exchange columns, the one or more ion exchange columns are washed with water, preferably reverse osmosis (RO) water. The solution obtained from the water wash and the resin-treated filtrate may be combined before proceeding to the multi-column step.

Adsorption of the solution of steviol glycosides

In certain processes, the solution of steviol glycosides is the resin-treated filtrate obtained from purification of Stevia rebaudiana leaf, described above. In another process, the solution of steviol glycosides is a commercially available stevia extract dissolved in a solvent. In yet another process, the solution of steviol glycosides is a commercially available extract where insoluble material and/or high molecular weight compounds and/or salts have been removed.
Reb X content in the solution of steviol glycosides may vary depending on the source of the solution of steviol glycosides. For example, in embodiments where the source of steviol glycosides is plant material, the concentration of Reb X can be between about 5 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, such as, for example, from about 10,000 ppm to about 50,000 ppm. In a particular embodiment, the concentration of Reb X in the solution of steviol glycosides, where the source of steviol glycosides is plant material, is from about 5 ppm to about 50 ppm.
Where the source is non-plant material, the concentration of Reb X in the solution of steviol glycosides can also vary. The concentration of Reb X in the solution of steviol glycosides can be between about 5 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, such as, for example, from about 5,000 ppm to about 10,000 ppm.
The Reb X/TSG ratio in the solution of steviol glycosides will also vary depending on the source of the steviol glycosides. In one process, the Reb X/TSG in the solution of steviol glycosides is from about 0.5% to about 99%, such as, for example, from about 0.5% to about 10%, from about 0.5% to about 20%, from about 0.5% to about 30%, from about 0.5% to about 40%, from about 0.5% to about 50%, from about 0.5% to about 60%, from about 0.5% to about 70%, from about 0.5% to about 80%, from about 0.5% to about 90%. In more particular processes, the Reb X/TSG in the solution of steviol glycosides is from about 0.5% to about 5%.
The solution of steviol glycosides may be passed through one or more consecutively connected columns (connected serially or in parallel) packed with polar macroporous polymeric adsorbent to provide at least one column having adsorbed steviol glycosides. The number of columns can be greater than 3, such as, for example, 5 columns, 6 columns, 7 columns, 8 columns, 9 columns, 10 columns, 11 column, 12 columns, 13 columns, 14 columns or 15 columns. In a particular process, the resin-treated filtrate is passed through 7 columns.
The first column in the sequence can be a "catcher column", which is used to adsorb certain impurities, such as sterebins, that have higher adsorption rates and faster desorption rates than most steviol glycosides. The "catcher column" size can be about one-third the size of the remaining columns. The ratio of internal diameter to column height or so-called "diameter: height ratio" of the columns shall be between about 1:1 to about 1:100, such as, for example, about 1:2, about 1:6, about 1:10, about 1:13, about 1:16, or about 1:20. In a particular process, the diameter: height ratio of the column is about 1:3. In yet another process, the diameter: height ratio is about 1:8. In still another process, the diameter: height ratio is about 1:15.
The polar macroporous polymeric adsorbent may be any macroporous polymeric adsorption resins capable of adsorbing steviol glycosides, such as, for example, the Amberlite^® XAD series (Rohm and Haas), Diaion^® HP series (Mitsubishi Chemical Corp), Sepabeads^® SP series (Mitsubishi Chemical Corp), Cangzhou Yuanwei YWD series (Cangzhou Yuanwei Chemical Co. Ltd., China), or the equivalent. The individual columns may be packed with the same resin or with different resins. The columns may be packed with sorbent up to from about 75% to about 100% of their total volume.
Where the multi-column system is connected in parallel, the inlet of each column may connect to a separate feed source while the outlet of each column connects to a separate receiver. The ratio of the volume of the first column to the volume of the second column is preferably in the range of about 1:1 to 1:10. The ratio of the volume of the last column to the volume of the previous, or penultimate, column is preferably in the range of about 3:1 to 1:10. The columns may be maintained at a temperature in the range of about 5-80°C, and preferably in the range of about 15-25°C.
The solvent that carries the steviol glycoside solution through the column system can comprise alcohol, water, or a combination thereof (an aqueous alcoholic solvent). The water to alcohol ratio (vol/vol) in the aqueous alcoholic solvent may be in the range of about 99.9:0.1 to about 60:40, such as, for example, about 99:1 to about 90:10. The specific velocity (SV) can be from about 0.3^-1 to about 1.5^-1, such as, for example, about 1.0 hour^-1.
The alcohol can be selected from, for example, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol and mixtures thereof.
Impurities and different steviol glycosides are retained in different sections of the column system. Impurities with higher affinities to the sorbent are retained in the first column, impurities with lower affinities to the sorbent are retained in the last column, and different steviol glycosides are retained in different sections of the system at different concentrations, depending on their affinities to the sorbent. Generally Reb X is retained in later columns. "Columns" is used interchangeably herein with "fractions", both of which refer to columns, or sections of columns with the desirable content (e.g. Reb X). As a result, the initial mixture of steviol glycosides separates into different portions retained on different columns. The portions differ from each other both by total steviol glycoside content and individual glycoside (particularly Reb X) content.

Removing Impurities from the Multi-Column System

Upon complete passage through the one or more columns, the resins can optionally be washed with a washing solution to remove impurities from the one or more columns. Suitable washing solutions include an aqueous or alcoholic solution, where the aqueous solution can contain any suitable acid or base to arrive at the desired pH. The water to alcohol ratio (vol/vol) in the aqueous alcoholic solution is in the range of about 99.9:0.1 to about 60:40. Multiple washes of the columns with the same, or different, wash solutions can be performed, followed by wash(es) with water until the pH of the effluent from the one or more columns is about neutral (i.e., has a pH from about 6.0 to about 7.0). In a particular process, the resins of the one or more columns is washed sequentially with one volume of water, two volumes of NaOH, one volume of water, two volumes of HCl, and finally with two volumes of water until it reached a neutral pH. The elution of impurities is carried out either from each column separately (parallel connection) or from two or more consecutively (serially) connected columns.

Eluting the adsorbed steviol glycosides

Desorption can be carried out with an aqueous alcohol solution. Suitable alcohols include methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol and mixtures thereof. The aqueous alcoholic solution can contain between about 30% to about 70% alcohol content, such as, for example, between about 40% to about 60%, about 50% to about 60%, about 51%, about 52%, about 53%, about 54%, about 55%, about 56%, about 57%, about 58% or about 59%. In a particular process, the aqueous alcoholic solution contains between about 50% to about 52% ethanol. A SV between about 0.5 hour^-1 to about 3.0 hour- , such as, for example, between about 1.0 hour^-1 and about 1.5 hour^-1 can be used. Desorption of the first "catcher column", which is optional, can be carried out separately from the non-"catcher column" columns.
In one process, fractions with high Reb X content are eluted with an aqueous alcohol solution to provide an eluted solution with high Reb X content. "High Reb X content", as used herein, refers to any material which has a higher Reb X/TSG ratio compared to the solution of steviol glycosides prior to passing through the multi-column system. In one process, the Reb X/TSG ratio is greater than about 1% higher than the Reb X/TSG ratio of the solution of steviol glycosides. In another process, the Reb X/TSG ratio is greater than about 2% higher, about 3% higher, about 4% higher, about 5% higher, about 10% higher, about 15% higher, about 20% higher, about 25% higher, about 30% higher, about 35% higher, about 40% higher, about 45% higher, about 50% higher, about 55% higher, about 60% higher about 65% higher about 70% higher, about 75% higher, about 80% higher, about 85% higher, about 90% higher or about 95% higher. Generally speaking, the later columns will contain "high Reb X content" fractions.
In a particular process, the remaining columns (excluding the "catcher column") can also be eluted with an aqueous alcohol solution and their eluates combined to provide an eluted solution of steviol glycosides with low Reb X content. "Low Reb X content", as used herein, refers to any material which has a lower Reb X/TSG ratio compared to the solution of steviol glycosides prior to passing through the multi-column system. "Low Reb X content" also refers to any material which has zero Reb X content. Generally speaking, the initial columns will contain "low Reb X content".
The Reb X/TSG ratio can be determined experimentally by HPLC or HPLC/MS. For example, chromatographic analysis can be performed on a HPLC/MS system comprising an Agilent 1200 series (USA) liquid chromatograph equipped with binary pump, autosampler, thermostatted column compartment, UV detector (210 nm), and Agilent 6110 quadrupole MS detector interfaced with Chemstation data acquisition software. The column can be a "Phenomenex Prodigy 5u ODS3 250x4.6 mm; 5µm (P/No. 00G-4097-E0)" column maintained at 40°C. The mobile phase can be 30:70 (vol/vol.) acetonitrile and water (containing 0.1% formic acid) and the flow rate through the column can be 0.5 mL/min. The steviol glycosides can be identified by their retention times in such a method, which are generally around 2.5 minutes for Reb D, around 2.9 minutes for Reb X, 5.5 minutes for Reb A, 5.8 minutes for Stevioside, 7.1 minutes for Reb F, 7.8 minutes for Reb C, 8.5 minutes for Dulcoside A, 11.0 minutes for Rubusoside, 15.4 minutes for Reb B and 16.4 minutes for Steviolbioside. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the retention times for the various steviol glycosides given above can vary with changes in solvent and/or equipment.
Those of skill in the art will also recognize that one or more of the "decolorizing", "second adsorption" and "deionization" steps, described below, may be omitted, e.g. where generally higher purity starting material solutions of steviol glycosides are used. Those experienced in art will also understand that although the process described below assumes certain order of the described steps, this order can be altered in some cases.

Decolorizing

Decolorization can be achieved with any known method, such as, for example, treatment with activated carbon. The quantity of the activated carbon can be from about 0.1% (wt/vol) to about 0.8% (wt/vol). In a particular process, the quantity of activated carbon is from about 0.25% (wt/vol) to about 0.30% (wt/vol). The suspension may be continuously agitated. The temperature of the treatment can be between about 20°C and about 30°C, such as, for example, about 25°C. The treatment can be for any duration sufficient to decolorize the eluted solution, such as, for example, between about 20 minutes and about 3 hours, between 20 minutes and about 2 hours, between about 30 minutes and 1.5 hours or between about 1 hour and about 1.5 hours. Following treatment, separation of used carbon can be conducted by any known separation means, such as, for example, gravity or suction filtration, centrifugation or plate-and-frame press filter.
The eluted solution with high Reb X content can optionally be decolorized separately from the eluted solution of steviol glycosides with low Reb X content.

Second adsorption

The decolorized solution (also referred to herein as "the first adsorption solution") can be distilled or evaporated with vacuum to remove alcoholic solvent and then passed through macroporous adsorbent second time to provide a second adsorption solution. The second adsorption solution contains aqueous solvent.

Deionization

Generally any type of strong acid cation-exchanger and weak anion-exchangers can be used at this stage. In one process, the eluted solution (e.g. the eluted solution with high Reb X content - optionally decolorized or the eluted solution of steviol glycosides-optionally decolorized) can be passed through a strong acid cation exchange resin. In another process, the eluted solution is passed through a weak base anion-exchange resin. In still another process, the eluted solution is passed through a strong acid cation-exchange resin followed by a weak base anion-exchange resin. In yet another process, the eluted solution is passed through a weak base anion-exchange resin followed by a strong acid cation-exchange resin. Suitable strong acid cation-exchange columns, weak base anion-exchange columns and flow rates are provided above with respect to production of the resin-treated filtrate. In a particular process, the eluted solution can be passed through columns packed with cation-exchange resin Amberlite FPC22H (H⁺) followed with anion-exchange resin Amberlite FPA53 (OH^-).
In one process, the second adsorption solution can be passed through a strong acid cation exchange resin. In another process, the second adsorption solution is passed through a weak base anion-exchange resin. In still another process, the second adsorption solution is passed through a strong acid cation-exchange resin followed by a weak base anion-exchange resin. In yet another process, the second adsorption solution is passed through a weak base anion-exchange resin followed by a strong acid cation-exchange resin. Suitable strong acid cation-exchange columns, weak base anion-exchange columns and flow rates are provided above with respect to production of the resin-treated filtrate. In a particular process, the second adsorption solution can be passed through columns packed with cation-exchange resin Amberlite FPC22H (H⁺) followed with anion-exchange resin Amberlite FPA53 (OH^-).
Those experienced in art will recognize that deionization may be alternatively conducted by means of mixed bed ion exchange, electrodialysis or various membranes such as, for example, reverse osmosis membranes, nanofiltration membranes or ultrafiltration membranes.

Concentration

The eluted solution (e.g. the eluted solution with high Reb X content- optionally decolorized and/or deionized, the eluted solution of steviol glycosides - optionally decolorized and/or deionized) or the second adsorption solution (optionally deionized) can be distilled or evaporated with vacuum to remove alcoholic solvent.
Once the alcoholic solvent is removed, the remaining aqueous solvent from the concentrate of steviol glycosides, or concentrated second adsorption solution, can be removed by any suitable means, including, evaporation or vacuum, to provide a dry purified steviol glycoside mixture with greater than 95% by weight total steviol glycosides on a dry basis.
Removal of alcoholic solvents from the eluted solution with high Reb X content provides a high Reb X content mixture. Further concentration to remove aqueous solvent can then be carried out by any suitable method, such as, for example, nano-filtration or evaporation under reduced pressure conditions to provide a high Reb X content mixture containing from about 30% to about 40% solids content, such as, for example, from about 30% to about 35% solids content or from about 33% to about 35% solids content. The high Reb X content mixture containing from about 30% to about 40% solids content contains aqueous solvent.
Alternatively, all solvent from the eluted solution with high Reb X content can be removed by any suitable method, such as, for example, nano-filtration or evaporation under reduced pressure, freeze drying, flash drying, spray drying or a combination thereof to provide a dry powder with high Reb X content.

Purification of Reb X

Purification of Reb X from a high Reb X content mixture containing from about 30% to about 40% solids content can be achieved by mixing a high Reb X content mixture containing from about 30% to about 40% solids content with a first alcoholic solvent to provide a Reb X solution and inducing crystallization. Generally, the ratio of solvent to solids is from about 0.5 liters to about 100 liters per one kilogram of solid. The ratio of solvent to solids can be from about 3 to about 10 liters of solvent per one kilogram of solid. The alcohol can be any suitable alcohol, such as, for example, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol and mixtures thereof. The alcohol can contain small amounts of water or be anhydrous. For example, the alcohol is anhydrous methanol.
Purification of a high Reb X content mixture containing more than about 40% solids content can also be achieved by diluting the mixture with water to provide a high Reb X content mixture containing from about 30% to about 40% solids content, mixing the mixture with an alcoholic solvent to provide a Reb X solution and inducing crystallization.
A dry powder with high Reb X content can be mixed with an aqueous alcoholic solvent to provide a Reb X solution (preferably containing from about 30% to about 40% solids content) and inducing crystallization.
To induce crystallization, the Reb X solution is maintained at a temperature between about 20°C and about 25°C, such as, for example, between about 20°C and about 22°C, and, if necessary, seeded with Reb X crystals. The duration of mixing can be between about 1 hour and about 48 hours, such as, for example, about 24 hours.
Reb X crystals having a purity greater than about 60% by weight on a dry basis (referred to herein as the "first crystals of Reb X") in a mixture of steviol glycosides can be obtained after separation of the crystals from the solution. In a particular process, Reb X with a purity greater than about 60%, about 65%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90% or about 95% is obtained by this process.
Those of skill in the art will recognize that the purity of the first crystals of Reb X will depend on the Reb X content of the initial solution of steviol glycosides among other variables. Accordingly, if needed, further wash steps can be performed to provide Reb X crystals with higher purity. To produce Reb X with greater purity, the first crystals of Reb X can combined with a aqueous alcohol solution (referred to herein as the "second aqueous alcohol solution") to provide second crystals of Reb X and a third aqueous alcohol solution. Separation of the second crystals of Reb X crystals from the third aqueous alcohol solution provides second crystals of Reb X having a purity greater than about 90% by weight on a dry basis. Reb X with purities greater than about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98% or about 99% can be obtained. This process can be repeated, as necessary, until the desired purity level is achieved. The cycle can be repeated two times, three times, four times or five times. Water can be used instead of an aqueous alcohol solution.
The solution or suspension can be maintained at temperatures between about 40°C to about 75°C, such as, for example, from about 50°C to about 60°C or about 55°C to about 60°C. The duration that the mixture can be maintained at a temperature between about 40°C to about 75°C may vary, but can last between about 5 minutes and about 1 hour, such as, for example, between about 15 and about 30 minutes. The mixture can then be cooled to a temperature between about 20°C to about 22°C, for example. The duration that the mixture can be maintained at the cool temperature may vary, but can last between about 1 hour and about 5 hours, such as, for example, between about 1 hour and about 2 hours. Agitation can optionally be used during the wash cycle.
Separation of Reb X crystals from the solution or suspension can be achieved by any known separation method, including, centrifugation, gravity or vacuum filtration, or drying. Different type of dryers such as fluid bed dryers, rotary tunnel dryers, or plate dryers may be used.
When Reb X crystals are combined with water or aqueous alcohol solution, the Reb X may dissolve and accumulate in liquid phase. In that case the higher purity Reb X crystals may be obtained by drying or evaporative crystallization of liquid phase.

Sweetener Compositions

Sweetener compositions, as used herein, mean compositions that contain at least one sweet component in combination with at least one other substance, such as, for example, another sweetener or an additive.
Sweetenable compositions, as used herein, mean substances which are contacted with the mouth of man or animal, including substances which are taken into and subsequently ejected from the mouth and substances which are drunk, eaten, swallowed or otherwise ingested, and are safe for human or animal consumption when used in a generally acceptable range.
Sweetened compositions, as used herein, mean substances that contain both a sweetenable composition and a sweetener or sweetener composition.
For example, a beverage with no sweetener component is a type of sweetenable composition. A sweetener composition comprising Reb X and erythritol can be added to the un-sweetened beverage, thereby providing a sweetened beverage. The sweetened beverage is a type of sweetened composition.
The sweetener compositions that may be used to provide the beverage of the present invention include Reb X (13-[2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy] ent kaur-16-en-19-oic acid-[2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3-O-β-D-glycopyranosyl) ester having the formula:
Reb X may be provided in a purified form or as a component of a mixture containing Reb X and one or more additional components (i.e. a sweetener composition comprising Reb X). Reb X may be provided as a component of a mixture, the mixture may be a Stevia extract. The Stevia extract may contain Reb X in an amount that ranges from about 5% to about 99% by weight on a dry basis, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 99%, from about 20% to about 99%, from about 30% to about 99%, from about 40% to about 99%, from about 50% to about 99%, from about 60% to about 99%, from about 70% to about 99%, from about 80% to about 99% and from about 90% to about 99%. The Stevia extract may contain Reb X in an amount greater than about 90% by weight on a dry basis, for example, greater than about 91%, greater than about 92%, greater than about 93%, greater than about 94%, greater than about 95%, greater than about 96%, greater than about 97%, greater than about 98% and greater than about 99%.
Reb X may be provided as a component of a steviol glycoside mixture in a sweetener composition, i.e., a mixture of steviol glycosides wherein the remainder of the non-Reb X portion of the mixture is comprised entirely of steviol glycosides. The identities of steviol glycosides are known in the art and include, steviol monoside, rubososide, steviolbioside, stevioside, rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside C, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside E, rebaudioside F and dulcoside A. The steviol glycoside mixture may contain from about 5% to about 99% Reb X by weight on a dry basis. For example, a steviol glycoside mixture may contain from about 10% to about 99%, from about 20% to about 99%, from about 30% to about 99%, from about 40% to about 99%, from about 50% to about 99%, from about 60% to about 99%, from about 70% to about 99%, from about 80% to about 99% and from about 90% to about 99% Reb X by weight on a dry basis. The steviol glycoside mixture may contain greater than about 90% Reb X by weight on a dry basis, for example, greater than about 91%, greater than about 92%, greater than about 93%, greater than about 94%, greater than about 95%, greater than about 96%, greater than about 97%, greater than about 98% and greater than about 99%.
Reb X may be the sole sweetener in the sweetener composition, i.e. Reb X is the only compound present in the sweetener composition that provides sweetness. Reb X may be one of two or more sweetener compounds present in the sweetener composition.
The amount of sucrose in a reference solution may be described in degrees Brix (°Bx). One degree Brix is 1 gram of sucrose in 100 grams of solution and represents the strength of the solution as percentage by weight (% w/w) (strictly speaking, by mass). A sweetener composition may contain Reb X in an amount effective to provide sweetness equivalent from about 0.50 to 14 degrees Brix of sugar when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, from about 5 to about 11 degrees Brix, from about 4 to about 7 degrees Brix, or about 5 degrees Brix. Reb X may be present in an amount effective to provide sweetness equivalent to about 10 degrees Brix when present in a sweetened composition.
The sweetness of a non-sucrose sweetener can also be measured against a sucrose reference by determining the non-sucrose sweetener's sucrose equivalence. Typically, taste panelists are trained to detect sweetness of reference sucrose solutions containing between 1-15% sucrose (w/v). Other non-sucrose sweeteners are then tasted at a series of dilutions to determine the concentration of the non-sucrose sweetener that is as sweet as a given percent sucrose reference. For example, if a 1% solution of a sweetener is as sweet as a 10% sucrose solution, then the sweetener is said to be 10 times as potent as sucrose.
Reb X may be present in an effective amount to provide a sucrose equivalence of greater than about 10% (w/v) when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, greater than about 11%, greater than about 12%, greater than about 13% or greater than about 14%.
The amount of Reb X in the sweetener composition may vary. Reb X may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a Reb X concentration from 100 ppm to 600 ppm when present in a beverage, such as, for example, from about 200 ppm to about 250 ppm. In a particular embodiment, Reb X is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a Reb X concentration from about 300 ppm to about 600 ppm.
In some embodiments, sweetener compositions contain one or more additional sweeteners. The additional sweetener can be any type of sweetener, for example, a natural, non-natural, or synthetic sweetener. The at least one additional sweetener may be chosen from natural sweeteners other than Stevia sweeteners. The at least one additional sweetener may be chosen from synthetic high potency sweeteners.
For example, the at least one additional sweetener may be a carbohydrate sweetener. Suitable carbohydrate sweeteners include sucrose, fructose, glucose, erythritol, maltitol, lactitol, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, tagatose, trehalose, galactose, rhamnose, cyclodextrin (e.g., α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and γ-cyclodextrin), ribulose, threose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose, allose, altrose, mannose, idose, lactose, maltose, invert sugar, isotrehalose, neotrehalose, palatinose or isomaltulose, erythrose, deoxyribose, gulose, idose, talose, erythrulose, xylulose, psicose, turanose, cellobiose, glucosamine, mannosamine, fucose, fuculose, glucuronic acid, gluconic acid, glucono-lactone, abequose, galactosamine, xylo-oligosaccharides (xylotriose, xylobiose), gentio-oligoscaccharides (gentiobiose, gentiotriose, gentiotetraose), galacto-oligosaccharides, sorbose, ketotriose (dehydroxyacetone), aldotriose (glyceraldehyde), nigero-oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides (kestose, nystose), maltotetraose, maltotriol, tetrasaccharides, mannan-oligosaccharides, malto-oligosaccharides (maltotriose, maltotetraose, maltopentaose, maltohexaose, maltoheptaose), dextrins, lactulose, melibiose, raffinose, rhamnose, ribose, isomerized liquid sugars such as high fructose corn/starch syrup (HFCS/HFSS) (e.g., HFCS55, HFCS42, or HFCS90), coupling sugars, soybean oligosaccharides, glucose syrup and combinations thereof. D- or L-configurations can be used when applicable.
The additional sweetener may be a carbohydrate sweetener selected from the group consisting of glucose, fructose, sucrose and combinations thereof.
The additional sweetener may be a carbohydrate sweetener selected from D-allose, D-psicose, L-ribose, D-tagatose, L-glucose, L-fucose, L-Arbinose, Turanose and combinations thereof.
The Reb X and carbohydrate sweetener may be present in any weight ratio, such as, for example, from about 0.001: 14 to about 1: 0.01, such as, for example, about 0.06: 6. Carbohydrates are present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 100 ppm to about 140,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
The at least one additional sweetener may be a synthetic sweetener. As used herein, the phrase "synthetic sweetener" refers to any composition which is not found naturally in nature and characteristically has a sweetness potency greater than sucrose, fructose, or glucose, yet has less calories. Synthetic high-potency sweeteners suitable for embodiments of this disclosure include sucralose, potassium acesulfame, acesulfame acid and salts thereof, aspartame, alitame, saccharin and salts thereof, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, cyclamate, cyclamic acid and salts thereof, neotame, advantame, glucosylated steviol glycosides (GSGs) and combinations thereof. The synthetic sweetener is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 0.3 ppm to about 3,500 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
The additional sweetener can be a natural high potency sweetener. Suitable natural high potency sweeteners include, rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside C, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside E, rebaudioside F, rebaudioside I, rebaudioside H, rebaudioside L, rebaudioside K, rebaudioside J, rebaudioside N, rebaudioside O, dulcoside A, dulcoside B, rubusoside, stevia, stevioside, mogroside IV, mogroside V, Luo Han Guo, siamenoside, monatin and its salts (monatin SS, RR, RS, SR), curculin, glycyrrhizic acid and its salts, thaumatin, monellin, mabinlin, brazzein, hernandulcin, phyllodulcin, glycyphyllin, phloridzin, trilobatin, baiyunoside, osladin, polypodoside A, pterocaryoside A, pterocaryoside B, mukurozioside, phlomisoside I, periandrin I, abrusoside A, steviolbioside and cyclocarioside I. The natural high potency sweetener can be provided as a pure compound or, alternatively, as part of an extract. For example, rebaudioside A can be provided as a sole compound or as part of a Stevia extract. The natural high potency sweetener is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 0.1 ppm to about 3,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
The additional sweetener can be chemically or enzymatically modified natural high potency sweetener. Modified natural high potency sweeteners include glycosylated natural high potency sweetener such as glucosyl-, galactosyl-, fructosyl- derivatives containing 1-50 glycosidic residues. Glycosylated natural high potency sweeteners may be prepared by enzymatic transglycosylation reaction catalyzed by various enzymes possessing transglycosylating activity.
Sweetener compositions may comprise Reb X and at least one other sweetener that functions as the sweetener component (i.e. the substance or substances that provide sweetness) of a sweetener composition. The sweetener compositions often exhibit synergy when combined and have improved flavor and temporal profiles compared to each sweetener alone. One or more additional sweetener can be used in the sweetener compositions. Sweetener compositions may contain Reb X and one additional sweetener. Sweetener compositions may contain Reb X and more than one additional sweetener. The at least one other sweetener can be selected from the group consisting of erythritol, Reb B, NSF-02, mogroside V, Reb A, Reb D and combinations thereof.
A sweetener composition may comprise Reb X and erythritol as the sweetener component. The relative weight percent of Reb X and erythritol can vary. Generally, erythritol can comprise from about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight of the sweetener component.
A sweetener composition may comprise Reb X and Reb B as the sweetener component. The relative weight percent of Reb X and Reb B can each vary from about 1% to about 99%, such as for example, about 95% Reb X/5% Reb B, about 90% Reb X/10% Reb B, about 85% Reb X/15% Reb B, about 80% Reb X/20% Reb B, about 75% Reb X/25% Reb B, about 70% Reb X/30% Reb B, about 65% Reb X/35% Reb B, about 60% Reb X/40% Reb B, about 55% Reb X/45% Reb B, about 50% Reb X/50% Reb B, about 45% Reb X/55% Reb B, about 40% Reb X/60% Reb B, about 35% Reb X/65% Reb B, about 30% Reb X/70% Reb B, about 25% Reb X/75% Reb B, about 20% Reb X/80% Reb B, about 15% Reb X/85% Reb B, about 10% Reb X/90% Reb B or about 5% Reb X/10% Reb B. Reb B may comprise from about 5% to about 40% of the sweetener component, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 30% or about 15% to about 25%.
A sweetener composition may comprise Reb X and NSF-02 (a GSG-type sweetener, available from PureCircle) as the sweetener component. The relative weight percent of Reb X and NSF-02 can each vary from about 1% to about 99%, such as for example, about 95% Reb X/5% NSF-02, about 90% Reb X/10% NSF-02, about 85% Reb X/15% NSF-02, about 80% Reb X/20% NSF-02, about 75% Reb X/25% NSF-02, about 70% Reb X/30% NSF-02, about 65% Reb X/35% NSF-02, about 60% Reb X/40% NSF-02, about 55% Reb X/45% NSF-02, about 50% Reb X/50% NSF-02, about 45% Reb X/55% NSF-02, about 40% Reb X/60% NSF-02, about 35% Reb X/65% NSF-02, about 30% Reb X/70% NSF-02, about 25% Reb X/75% NSF-02, about 20% Reb X/80% NSF-02, about 15% Reb X/85% NSF-02, about 10% Reb X/90% NSF-02 or about 5% Reb X/10% NSF-02. NSF-02 may comprise from about 5% to about 50% of the sweetener component, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 40% or about 30% to about 30%.
A sweetener composition may comprise Reb X and mogroside V as the sweetener component. The relative weight percent of Reb X and mogroside V can each vary from about 1% to about 99%, such as for example, about 95% Reb X/5% mogroside V, about 90% Reb X/10% mogroside V, about 85% Reb X/15% mogroside V, about 80% Reb X/20% mogroside V, about 75% Reb X/25% mogroside V, about 70% Reb X/30% mogroside V, about 65% Reb X/35% mogroside V, about 60% Reb X/40% mogroside V, about 55% Reb X/45% mogroside V, about 50% Reb X/50% mogroside V, about 45% Reb X/55% mogroside V, about 40% Reb X/60% mogroside V, about 35% Reb X/65% mogroside V, about 30% Reb X/70% mogroside V, about 25% Reb X/75% mogroside V, about 20% Reb X/80% mogroside V, about 15% Reb X/85% mogroside V, about 10% Reb X/90% mogroside V or about 5% Reb X/10% mogroside V. Mogroside V may comprise from about 5% to about 50% of the sweetener component, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 40% or about 30% to about 30%.
A sweetener composition may comprise Reb X and Reb A as the sweetener component. The relative weight percent of Reb X and Reb A can each vary from about 1% to about 99%, such as for example, about 95% Reb X/5% Reb A, about 90% Reb X/10% Reb A, about 85% Reb X/15% Reb A, about 80% Reb X/20% Reb A, about 75% Reb X/25% Reb A, about 70% Reb X/30% Reb A, about 65% Reb X/35% Reb A, about 60% Reb X/40% Reb A, about 55% Reb X/45% Reb A, about 50% Reb X/50% Reb A, about 45% Reb X/55% Reb A, about 40% Reb X/60% Reb A, about 35% Reb X/65% Reb A, about 30% Reb X/70% Reb A, about 25% Reb X/75% Reb A, about 20% Reb X/80% Reb A, about 15% Reb X/85% Reb A, about 10% Reb X/90% Reb A or about 5% Reb X/10% Reb A. Reb A may comprise from about 5% to about 40% of the sweetener component, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 30% or about 15% to about 25%.
A sweetener composition may comprise Reb X and Reb D as the sweetener component. The relative weight percent of Reb X and Reb D can each vary from about 1% to about 99%, such as for example, about 95% Reb X/5% Reb D, about 90% Reb X/10% Reb D, about 85% Reb X/15% Reb D, about 80% Reb X/20% Reb D, about 75% Reb X/25% Reb D, about 70% Reb X/30% Reb D, about 65% Reb X/35% Reb D, about 60% Reb X/40% Reb D, about 55% Reb X/45% Reb D, about 50% Reb X/50% Reb D, about 45% Reb X/55% Reb D, about 40% Reb X/60% Reb D, about 35% Reb X/65% Reb D, about 30% Reb X/70% Reb D, about 25% Reb X/75% Reb D, about 20% Reb X/80% Reb D, about 15% Reb X/85% Reb D, about 10% Reb X/90% Reb D or about 5% Reb X/10% Reb D. Reb D may comprise from about 5% to about 40% of the sweetener component, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 30% or about 15% to about 25%.
A sweetener composition may comprise Reb X, Reb A and Reb D as the sweetener component. The relative weight percent of Reb X, Reb D and Reb A can each vary from about 1% to about 99%.
A sweetener composition may comprise Reb X, Reb B and Reb D as the sweetener component. The relative weight percent of Reb X, Reb B and Reb D can each vary from about 1% to about 99%.
Sweetener compositions can be customized to provide the desired calorie content. For example, sweetener compositions can be "full-calorie", such that they impart the desired sweetness when added to a sweetenable composition (such as, for example, a beverage) and have about 120 calories per 8 oz (237 ml) serving. Alternatively, sweetener compositions can be "mid-calorie", such that they impart the desired sweetness when added to a sweetenable composition (such as, for example, as beverage) and have less than about 60 calories per 8 oz (237 ml) serving. Sweetener compositions can be "low-calorie", such that they impart the desired sweetness when added to a sweetenable composition (such as, for example, as beverage) and have less than 40 calories per 8 oz (237 ml) serving. The sweetener compositions can be "zero-calorie", such that they impart the desired sweetness when added to a sweetenable composition (such as, for example, a beverage) and have less than 5 calories per 8 oz. (237 ml) serving.

Additives

In addition to Reb X and, optionally, other sweeteners, the sweetener compositions can optionally include additional additives, detailed herein below. The sweetener composition may contain additives including, carbohydrates, polyols, amino acids and their corresponding salts, poly-amino acids and their corresponding salts, sugar acids and their corresponding salts, nucleotides, organic acids, inorganic acids, organic salts including organic acid salts and organic base salts, inorganic salts, bitter compounds, flavorants and flavoring ingredients, astringent compounds, proteins or protein hydrolysates, surfactants, emulsifiers, weighing agents, gums, antioxidants, colorants, flavonoids, alcohols, polymers and combinations thereof. The additives act to improve the temporal and flavor profile of the sweetener to provide a sweetener composition with a taste similar to sucrose.
The sweetener compositions may contain one or more polyols. The term "polyol", as used herein, refers to a molecule that contains more than one hydroxyl group. A polyol may be a diol, triol, or a tetraol which contains 2, 3, and 4 hydroxyl groups respectively. A polyol also may contain more than 4 hydroxyl groups, such as a pentaol, hexaol, heptaol, or the like, which contain 5, 6, or 7 hydroxyl groups, respectively. Additionally, a polyol also may be a sugar alcohol, polyhydric alcohol, or polyalcohol which is a reduced form of carbohydrate, wherein the carbonyl group (aldehyde or ketone, reducing sugar) has been reduced to a primary or secondary hydroxyl group.
Polyols include erythritol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, lactitol, xylitol, isomalt, propylene glycol, glycerol (glycerin), threitol, galactitol, palatinose, reduced isomalto-oligosaccharides, reduced xylo-oligosaccharides, reduced gentio-oligosaccharides, reduced maltose syrup, reduced glucose syrup, and sugar alcohols or any other carbohydrates capable of being reduced which do not adversely affect the taste of the sweetener composition.
Polyols may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 100 ppm to about 250,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage. The polyol may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 400 ppm to about 80,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, from about 5,000 ppm to about 40,000 ppm.
Reb X and the polyol may be present in the sweetener composition in a weight ratio from about 1:1 to about 1:800, such as, for example, from about 1:4 to about 1:800, from about 1:20 to about 1:600, from about 1:50 to about 1:300 or from about 1:75 to about 1:150.
Suitable amino acid additives include, aspartic acid, arginine, glycine, glutamic acid, proline, threonine, theanine, cysteine, cystine, alanine, valine, tyrosine, leucine, arabinose, trans-4-hydroxyproline, isoleucine, asparagine, serine, lysine, histidine, ornithine, methionine, carnitine, aminobutyric acid (α-, β-, and/or δ-isomers), glutamine, hydroxyproline, taurine, norvaline, sarcosine, and their salt forms such as sodium or potassium salts or acid salts. The amino acid additives also may be in the D- or L-configuration and in the mono-, di-, or tri-form of the same or different amino acids. Additionally, the amino acids may be α-, β-, γ- and/or δ-isomers if appropriate. Combinations of the foregoing amino acids and their corresponding salts (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium salts or other alkali or alkaline earth metal salts thereof, or acid salts) also are suitable additives in some embodiments. The amino acids may be natural or synthetic. The amino acids also may be modified. Modified amino acids refers to any amino acid wherein at least one atom has been added, removed, substituted, or combinations thereof (e.g., N-alkyl amino acid, N-acyl amino acid, or N-methyl amino acid). Examples of modified amino acids include amino acid derivatives such as trimethyl glycine, N-methyl-glycine, and N-methyl-alanine. As used herein, modified amino acids encompass both modified and unmodified amino acids. As used herein, amino acids also encompass both peptides and polypeptides (e.g., dipeptides, tripeptides, tetrapeptides, and pentapeptides) such as glutathione and L-alanyl-L-glutamine. Suitable polyamino acid additives include poly-L-aspartic acid, poly-L-lysine (e.g., poly-L-α-lysine or poly-L-ε-lysine), poly-L-ornithine (e.g., poly-L-□α-ornithine or poly-L-□ε-ornithine), poly-L-arginine, other polymeric forms of amino acids, and salt forms thereof (e.g., calcium, potassium, sodium, or magnesium salts such as L-glutamic acid mono sodium salt). The poly-amino acid additives also may be in the D- or L-configuration. Additionally, the poly-amino acids may be α-, β-, γ-, δ-, and ε-isomers if appropriate. Combinations of the foregoing poly-amino acids and their corresponding salts (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium salts or other alkali or alkaline earth metal salts thereof or acid salts) also are suitable additives in some embodiments. The poly-amino acids described herein also may comprise co-polymers of different amino acids. The poly-amino acids may be natural or synthetic. The poly-amino acids also may be modified, such that at least one atom has been added, removed, substituted, or combinations thereof (e.g., N-alkyl poly-amino acid or N-acyl poly-amino acid). As used herein, poly-amino acids encompass both modified and unmodified poly-amino acids. For example, modified poly-amino acids include, poly-amino acids of various molecular weights (MW), such as poly-L-α-lysine with a MW of 1,500, MW of 6,000, MW of 25,200, MW of 63,000, MW of 83,000, or MW of 300,000.
The amino acid may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 10 ppm to about 50,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage. The amino acid may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 1,000 ppm to about 10,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, from about 2,500 ppm to about 5,000 ppm or from about 250 ppm to about 7,500 ppm.
Suitable sugar acid additives include, aldonic, uronic, aldaric, alginic, gluconic, glucuronic, glucaric, galactaric, galacturonic, and salts thereof (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium salts or other physiologically acceptable salts), and combinations thereof.
Suitable nucleotide additives include, inosine monophosphate ("IMP"), guanosine monophosphate ("GMP"), adenosine monophosphate ("AMP"), cytosine monophosphate (CMP), uracil monophosphate (LTMP), inosine diphosphate, guanosine diphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, cytosine diphosphate, uracil diphosphate, inosine triphosphate, guanosine triphosphate, adenosine triphosphate, cytosine triphosphate, uracil triphosphate, alkali or alkaline earth metal salts thereof, and combinations thereof. The nucleotides described herein also may comprise nucleotide-related additives, such as nucleosides or nucleic acid bases (e.g., guanine, cytosine, adenine, thymine, uracil).
The nucleotide may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 5 ppm to about 1,000 ppm when present in sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
Suitable organic acid additives include any compound which comprises a -COOH moiety, such as, for example, C2-C30 carboxylic acids, substituted hydroxyl C2-C30 carboxylic acids, butyric acid (ethyl esters), substituted butyric acid (ethyl esters), benzoic acid, substituted benzoic acids (e.g., 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid), substituted cinnamic acids, hydroxyacids, substituted hydroxybenzoic acids, anisic acid substituted cyclohexyl carboxylic acids, tannic acid, aconitic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, isocitric acid, gluconic acid, glucoheptonic acids, adipic acid, hydroxycitric acid, malic acid, fruitaric acid (a blend of malic, fumaric, and tartaric acids), fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, chlorogenic acid, salicylic acid, creatine, caffeic acid, bile acids, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, alginic acid, erythorbic acid, polyglutamic acid, glucono delta lactone, and their alkali or alkaline earth metal salt derivatives thereof. In addition, the organic acid additives also may be in either the D- or L-configuration.
Suitable organic acid additive salts include, sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium salts of all organic acids, such as salts of citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid (e.g., sodium lactate), alginic acid (e.g., sodium alginate), ascorbic acid (e.g., sodium ascorbate), benzoic acid (e.g., sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate), sorbic acid and adipic acid. The examples of the organic acid additives described optionally may be substituted with at least one group chosen from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, haloalkyl, carboxyl, acyl, acyloxy, amino, amido, carboxyl derivatives, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, alkoxy, aryloxy, nitro, cyano, sulfo, thiol, imine, sulfonyl, sulfenyl, sulfinyl, sulfamyl, carboxalkoxy, carboxamido, phosphonyl, phosphinyl, phosphoryl, phosphino, thioester, thioether, anhydride, oximino, hydrazino, carbamyl, phosphor or phosphonato. The organic acid additive may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount from about 10 ppm to about 5,000 ppm.
Suitable inorganic acid additives include, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, polyphosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, carbonic acid, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, and alkali or alkaline earth metal salts thereof (e.g., inositol hexaphosphate Mg/Ca).
The inorganic acid additive may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 25 ppm to about 25,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
Suitable bitter compound additives include, caffeine, quinine, urea, bitter orange oil, naringin, quassia, and salts thereof.
The bitter compound may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 25 ppm to about 25,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
Suitable flavorant and flavoring ingredient additives include, vanillin, vanilla extract, mango extract, cinnamon, citrus, coconut, ginger, viridiflorol, almond, menthol (including menthol without mint), grape skin extract, and grape seed extract. "Flavorant" and "flavoring ingredient" are synonymous and can include natural or synthetic substances or combinations thereof. Flavorants also include any other substance which imparts flavor and may include natural or non-natural (synthetic) substances which are safe for human or animals when used in a generally accepted range. Examples of proprietary flavorants include Döhler^™ Natural Flavoring Sweetness Enhancer K14323 (Döhler^™, Darmstadt, Germany), Symrise^™ Natural Flavor Mask for Sweeteners 161453 and 164126 (Symrise^™, Holzminden, Germany), Natural Advantage^™ Bitterness Blockers 1, 2, 9 and 10 (Natural Advantage^™, Freehold, New Jersey, U.S.A.), and Sucramask^™ (Creative Research Management, Stockton, California, U.S.A.).
The flavorant may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 0.1 ppm to about 4,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
Suitable polymer additives include, chitosan, pectin, pectic, pectinic, polyuronic, polygalacturonic acid, starch, food hydrocolloid or crude extracts thereof (e.g., gum acacia senegal (Fibergum^™), gum acacia seyal, carageenan), poly-L-lysine (e.g., poly-L-α-lysine or poly-L-ε-lysine), poly-L-ornithine (e.g., poly-L-α-ornithine or poly-L-ε-ornithine), polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether), polyarginine, polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid, polyethylene imine, alginic acid, sodium alginate, propylene glycol alginate, and sodium polyethyleneglycolalginate, sodium hexametaphosphate and its salts, and other cationic polymers and anionic polymers.
The polymer may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 30 ppm to about 2,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
Suitable protein or protein hydrolysate additives include, bovine serum albumin (BSA), whey protein (including fractions or concentrates thereof such as 90% instant whey protein isolate, 34% whey protein, 50% hydrolyzed whey protein, and 80% whey protein concentrate), soluble rice protein, soy protein, protein isolates, protein hydrolysates, reaction products of protein hydrolysates, glycoproteins, and/or proteoglycans containing amino acids (e.g., glycine, alanine, serine, threonine, asparagine, glutamine, arginine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, norvaline, methionine, proline, tyrosine, hydroxyproline), collagen (e.g., gelatin), partially hydrolyzed collagen (e.g., hydrolyzed fish collagen), and collagen hydrolysates (e.g., porcine collagen hydrolysate).
The protein hydrosylate may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 200 ppm to about 50,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
Suitable surfactant additives include, polysorbates (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80), polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60), sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, dioctyl sulfosuccinate or dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium, sodium dodecyl sulfate, cetylpyridinium chloride (hexadecylpyridinium chloride), hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, sodium cholate, carbamoyl, choline chloride, sodium glycocholate, sodium taurodeoxycholate, lauric arginate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, sodium taurocholate, lecithins, sucrose oleate esters, sucrose stearate esters, sucrose palmitate esters, sucrose laurate esters, and other emulsifiers.
The surfactant additive may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 30 ppm to about 2,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
Suitable flavonoid additives are classified as flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, isoflavones, or anthocyanidins. Examples of flavonoid additives include, catechins (e.g., green tea extracts such as Polyphenon ^™ 60, Polyphenon ^™ 30, and Polyphenon^™ 25 (Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd., Japan), polyphenols, rutins (e.g., enzyme modified rutin Sanmelin^™ AO (San-fi Gen F.F.I., Inc., Osaka, Japan)), neohesperidin, naringin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone.
The flavonoid additive may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 0.1 ppm to about 1,000 ppm when present in sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
Suitable alcohol additives include, ethanol. The alcohol additive may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 625 ppm to about 10,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
Suitable astringent compound additives include, tannic acid, europium chloride (EuCl₃), gadolinium chloride (GdCl₃), terbium chloride (TbCl₃), alum, tannic acid, and polyphenols (e.g., tea polyphenols). The astringent additive is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 10 ppm to about 5,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.
A sweetener composition may comprise Reb X; a polyol selected from erythritol, maltitol, mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol, and combinations thereof; and optionally at least one additional sweetener and/or functional ingredient. The Reb X can be provided as a pure compound or as part of a Stevia extract or steviol glycoside mixture, as described above. Reb X can be present in an amount from about 5% to about 99% by weight on a dry basis in either a steviol glycoside mixture or a Stevia extract. Reb X and the polyol may be present in a sweetener composition in a weight ratio from about 1:1 to about 1:800, such as, for example, from about 1:4 to about 1:800, from about 1:20 to about 1:600, from about 1:50 to about 1:300 or from about 1:75 to about 1:150. Reb X is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from 100 ppm to 600 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, about 300 ppm. The polyol, such as, for example, erythritol, can be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 100 ppm to about 250,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, from about 5,000 ppm to about 40,000 ppm, from about 1,000 ppm to about 35,000 ppm.
A sweetener composition may comprise Reb X; a carbohydrate sweetener selected from sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose and combinations thereof; and optionally at least one additional sweetener and/or functional ingredient. The Reb X can be provided as a pure compound or as part of a Stevia extract or steviol glycoside mixture, as described above. Reb X can be present in an amount from about 5% to about 99% by weight on a dry basis in either a steviol glycoside mixture or a Stevia extract. Reb X and the carbohydrate may be present in a sweetener composition in a weight ratio from about 0.001: 14 to about 1: 0.01, such as, for example, about 0.06: 6. Reb X may be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from 100 ppm to 600 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, about 500 ppm. The carbohydrate, such as, for example, sucrose, can be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 100 ppm to about 140,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, from about 1,000 ppm to about 100,000 ppm, from about 5,000 ppm to about 80,000 ppm.
A sweetener composition may comprise Reb X; an amino acid selected from glycine, alanine, proline and combinations thereof; and optionally at least one additional sweetener and/or functional ingredient. The Reb X can be provided as a pure compound or as part of a Stevia extract or steviol glycoside mixture, as described above. Reb X can be present in an amount from about 5% to about 99% by weight on a dry basis in either a steviol glycoside mixture or a Stevia extract. Reb X is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from 100 ppm to 600 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, about 500 ppm. The amino acid, such as, for example, glycine, can be present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 10 ppm to about 50,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, from about 1,000 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, from about 2,500 ppm to about 5,000 ppm.
A sweetener composition comprises Reb X; a salt selected from sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride and combinations thereof; and optionally at least one additional sweetener and/or functional ingredient. The Reb X can be provided as a pure compound or as part of a Stevia extract or steviol glycoside mixture, as described above. Reb X can be present in an amount from about 5% to about 99% by weight on a dry basis in either a steviol glycoside mixture or a Stevia extract. The inorganic salt, such as, for example, magnesium chloride, is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 25 ppm to about 25,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, from about 100 ppm to about 4,000 ppm or from about 100 ppm to about 3,000 ppm.

Functional Ingredients

The sweetener composition can also contain one or more functional ingredients, which provide a real or perceived heath benefit to the composition. Functional ingredients include, saponins, antioxidants, dietary fiber sources, fatty acids, vitamins, glucosamine, minerals, preservatives, hydration agents, probiotics, prebiotics, weight management agents, osteoporosis management agents, phytoestrogens, long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols, phytosterols and combinations thereof.

Saponin

The functional ingredient may be at least one saponin. A sweetener composition may comprise at least one saponin, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one saponin, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one saponin, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one saponin may comprise a single saponin or a plurality of saponins as a functional ingredient for the sweetener composition or sweetened compositions provided herein. Generally, the at least one saponin may be present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
Saponins are glycosidic natural plant products comprising an aglycone ring structure and one or more sugar moieties. The combination of the nonpolar aglycone and the water soluble sugar moiety gives saponins surfactant properties, which allow them to form a foam when shaken in an aqueous solution.
The saponins are grouped together based on several common properties. In particular, saponins are surfactants which display hemolytic activity and form complexes with cholesterol. Although saponins share these properties, they are structurally diverse. The types of aglycone ring structures forming the ring structure in saponins can vary greatly. Examples of the types of aglycone ring structures in saponin for use in particular embodiments of the invention include steroids, triterpenoids, and steroidal alkaloids. Examples of specific aglycone ring structures for use in particular embodiments of the invention include soyasapogenol A, soyasapogenol B and soyasopogenol E. The number and type of sugar moieties attached to the aglycone ring structure can also vary greatly. Examples of sugar moieties for use in particular embodiments of the invention include glucose, galactose, glucuronic acid, xylose, rhamnose, and methylpentose moieties. Examples of specific saponins for use in particular embodiments of the invention include group A acetyl saponin, group B acetyl saponin, and group E acetyl saponin.
Saponins can be found in a large variety of plants and plant products, and are especially prevalent in plant skins and barks where they form a waxy protective coating. Several common sources of saponins include soybeans, which have approximately 5% saponin content by dry weight, soapwort plants (Saponaria), the root of which was used historically as soap, as well as alfalfa, aloe, asparagus, grapes, chickpeas, yucca, and various other beans and weeds. Saponins may be obtained from these sources by using extraction techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A description of conventional extraction techniques can be found in U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 2005/0123662 .

Antioxidant

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient is at least one antioxidant. A sweetener composition may comprise at least one antioxidant, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one antioxidant, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one antioxidant, Reb X, and optionally, at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one antioxidant may comprise a single antioxidant or a plurality of antioxidants as a functional ingredient for the sweetener composition or sweetened compositions provided herein. Generally, the at least one antioxidant is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
As used herein "antioxidant" refers to any substance which inhibits, suppresses, or reduces oxidative damage to cells and biomolecules. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that antioxidants inhibit, suppress, or reduce oxidative damage to cells or biomolecules by stabilizing free radicals before they can cause harmful reactions. As such, antioxidants may prevent or postpone the onset of some degenerative diseases.
Examples of suitable antioxidants for embodiments of this invention include, vitamins, vitamin cofactors, minerals, hormones, carotenoids, carotenoid terpenoids, non-carotenoid terpenoids, flavonoids, flavonoid polyphenolics (e.g., bioflavonoids), flavonols, flavones, phenols, polyphenols, esters of phenols, esters of polyphenols, nonflavonoid phenolics, isothiocyanates, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the antioxidant is vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, ubiquinone, mineral selenium, manganese, melatonin, α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeanthin, crypoxanthin, reservatol, eugenol, quercetin, catechin, gossypol, hesperetin, curcumin, ferulic acid, thymol, hydroxytyrosol, tumeric, thyme, olive oil, lipoic acid, glutathinone, gutamine, oxalic acid, tocopherol-derived compounds, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), tert-butylhydroquinone, acetic acid, pectin, tocotrienol, tocopherol, coenzyme Q10, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, canthaxantin, saponins, limonoids, kaempfedrol, myricetin, isorhamnetin, proanthocyanidins, quercetin, rutin, luteolin, apigenin, tangeritin, hesperetin, naringenin, erodictyol, flavan-3-ols (e.g., anthocyanidins), gallocatechins, epicatechin and its gallate forms, epigallocatechin and its gallate forms (ECGC) theaflavin and its gallate forms, thearubigins, isoflavone phytoestrogens, genistein, daidzein, glycitein, anythocyanins, cyaniding, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, petunidin, ellagic acid, gallic acid, salicylic acid, rosmarinic acid, cinnamic acid and its derivatives (e.g., ferulic acid), chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid, gallotannins, ellagitannins, anthoxanthins, betacyanins and other plant pigments, silymarin, citric acid, lignan, antinutrients, bilirubin, uric acid, R-α-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, emblicanin, apple extract, apple skin extract (applephenon), rooibos extract red, rooibos extract, green, hawthorn berry extract, red raspberry extract, green coffee antioxidant (GCA), aronia extract 20%, grape seed extract (VinOseed), cocoa extract, hops extract, mangosteen extract, mangosteen hull extract, cranberry extract, pomegranate extract, pomegranate hull extract, pomegranate seed extract, hawthorn berry extract, pomella pomegranate extract, cinnamon bark extract, grape skin extract, bilberry extract, pine bark extract, pycnogenol, elderberry extract, mulberry root extract, wolfberry (gogi) extract, blackberry extract, blueberry extract, blueberry leaf extract, raspberry extract, turmeric extract, citrus bioflavonoids, black currant, ginger, acai powder, green coffee bean extract, green tea extract, and phytic acid, or combinations thereof. In alternate embodiments, the antioxidant is a synthetic antioxidant such as butylated hydroxytolune or butylated hydroxyanisole, for example. Other sources of suitable antioxidants for embodiments of this invention include, fruits, vegetables, tea, cocoa, chocolate, spices, herbs, rice, organ meats from livestock, yeast, whole grains, or cereal grains.
Particular antioxidants belong to the class of phytonutrients called polyphenols (also known as "polyphenolics"), which are a group of chemical substances found in plants, characterized by the presence of more than one phenol group per molecule. A variety of health benefits may be derived from polyphenols, including prevention of cancer, heart disease, and chronic inflammatory disease and improved mental strength and physical strength, for example. Suitable polyphenols for embodiments of this invention, include catechins, proanthocyanidins, procyanidins, anthocyanins, quercerin, rutin, reservatrol, isoflavones, curcumin, punicalagin, ellagitannin, hesperidin, naringin, citrus flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, other similar materials, and combinations thereof.
In particular embodiments, the antioxidant is a catechin such as, for example, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Suitable sources of catechins for embodiments of this invention include, green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea, chocolate, cocoa, red wine, grape seed, red grape skin, purple grape skin, red grape juice, purple grape juice, berries, pycnogenol, and red apple peel.
In some embodiments, the antioxidant is chosen from proanthocyanidins, procyanidins or combinations thereof. Suitable sources of proanthocyanidins and procyanidins for embodiments of this invention include, red grapes, purple grapes, cocoa, chocolate, grape seeds, red wine, cacao beans, cranberry, apple peel, plum, blueberry, black currants, choke berry, green tea, sorghum, cinnamon, barley, red kidney bean, pinto bean, hops, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachio, pycnogenol, and colorful berries.
In particular embodiments, the antioxidant is an anthocyanin. Suitable sources of anthocyanins for embodiments of this invention include, red berries, blueberries, bilberry, cranberry, raspberry, cherry, pomegranate, strawberry, elderberry, choke berry, red grape skin, purple grape skin, grape seed, red wine, black currant, red currant, cocoa, plum, apple peel, peach, red pear, red cabbage, red onion, red orange, and blackberries.
In some embodiments, the antioxidant is chosen from quercetin, rutin or combinations thereof. Suitable sources of quercetin and rutin for embodiments of this invention include, red apples, onions, kale, bog whortleberry, lingonberrys, chokeberry, cranberry, blackberry, blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, black currant, green tea, black tea, plum, apricot, parsley, leek, broccoli, chili pepper, berry wine, and ginkgo.
In some embodiments, the antioxidant is resveratrol. Suitable sources of resveratrol for embodiments of this invention include, red grapes, peanuts, cranberry, blueberry, bilberry, mulberry, Japanese Itadori tea, and red wine.
In particular embodiments, the antioxidant is an isoflavone. Suitable sources of isoflavones for embodiments of this invention include, soy beans, soy products, legumes, alfalfa spouts, chickpeas, peanuts, and red clover.
In some embodiments, the antioxidant is curcumin. Suitable sources of curcumin for embodiments of this invention include, turmeric and mustard.
In particular embodiments, the antioxidant is chosen from punicalagin, ellagitannin or combinations thereof. Suitable sources of punicalagin and ellagitannin for embodiments of this invention include, pomegranate, raspberry, strawberry, walnut, and oak-aged red wine.
In some embodiments, the antioxidant is a citrus flavonoid, such as hesperidin or naringin. Suitable sources of citrus flavonids, such as hesperidin or naringin, for embodiments of this invention include, oranges, grapefruits, and citrus juices.
In particular embodiments, the antioxidant is chlorogenic acid. Suitable sources of chlorogenic acid for embodiments of this invention include, green coffee, yerba mate, red wine, grape seed, red grape skin, purple grape skin, red grape juice, purple grape juice, apple juice, cranberry, pomegranate, blueberry, strawberry, sunflower, Echinacea, pycnogenol, and apple peel.

Dietary Fiber

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient is at least one dietary fiber source. A sweetener composition may comprise at least one dietary fiber source, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one dietary fiber source, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one dietary fiber source, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one dietary fiber source may comprise a single dietary fiber source or a plurality of dietary fiber sources as a functional ingredient for the sweetener compositions or sweetened compositions provided herein. Generally, the at least one dietary fiber source is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
Numerous polymeric carbohydrates having significantly different structures in both composition and linkages fall within the definition of dietary fiber. Such compounds are well known to those skilled in the art, examples of which include non-starch polysaccharides, lignin, cellulose, methylcellulose, the hemicelluloses, β-glucans, pectins, gums, mucilage, waxes, inulins, oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, cyclodextrins, chitins, and combinations thereof.
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates composed of monosaccharides joined by glycosidic linkages. Non-starch polysaccharides are bonded with β-linkages, which humans are unable to digest due to a lack of an enzyme to break the β-linkages. Conversely, digestable starch polysaccharides generally comprise α(1-4) linkages.
Lignin is a large, highly branched and cross-linked polymer based on oxygenated phenylpropane units. Cellulose is a linear polymer of glucose molecules joined by a β(1-4) linkage, which mammalian amylases are unable to hydrolyze. Methylcellulose is a methyl esther of cellulose that is often used in foodstuffs as a thickener, and emulsifier. It is commercially available (e.g., Citrucel by GlaxoSmithKline, Celevac by Shire Pharmaceuticals). Hemicelluloses are highly branched polymers consisting mainly of glucurono- and 4-O-methylglucuroxylans. β-Glucans are mixed-linkage (1-3), (1-4) β-D-glucose polymers found primarily in cereals, such as oats and barley. Pectins, such as beta pectin, are a group of polysaccharides composed primarily of D-galacturonic acid, which is methoxylated to variable degrees.
Gums and mucilages represent a broad array of different branched structures. Guar gum, derived from the ground endosperm of the guar seed, is a galactomannan. Guar gum is commercially available (e.g., Benefiber by Novartis AG). Other gums, such as gum arabic and pectins, have still different structures. Still other gums include xanthan gum, gellan gum, tara gum, psylium seed husk gum, and locust been gum.
Waxes are esters of ethylene glycol and two fatty acids, generally occurring as a hydrophobic liquid that is insoluble in water.
Inulins comprise naturally occurring oligosaccharides belonging to a class of carbohydrates known as fructans. They generally are comprised of fructose units joined by β(2-1) glycosidic linkages with a terminal glucose unit. Oligosaccharides are saccharide polymers containing typically three to six component sugars. They are generally found either O- or N-linked to compatible amino acid side chains in proteins or to lipid molecules. Fructooligosaccharides are oligosaccharides consisting of short chains of fructose molecules.
Food sources of dietary fiber include, grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Grains providing dietary fiber include, oats, rye, barley, wheat,. Legumes providing fiber include, peas and beans such as soybeans. Fruits and vegetables providing a source of fiber include, apples, oranges, pears, bananas, berries, tomatoes, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, celery. Plant foods such as bran, nuts, and seeds (such as flax seeds) are also sources of dietary fiber. Parts of plants providing dietary fiber include, the stems, roots, leaves, seeds, pulp, and skin.
Although dietary fiber generally is derived from plant sources, indigestible animal products such as chitins are also classified as dietary fiber. Chitin is a polysaccharide composed of units of acetylglucosamine joined by β(1-4) linkages, similar to the linkages of cellulose.
Sources of dietary fiber often are divided into categories of soluble and insoluble fiber based on their solubility in water. Both soluble and insoluble fibers are found in plant foods to varying degrees depending upon the characteristics of the plant. Although insoluble in water, insoluble fiber has passive hydrophilic properties that help increase bulk, soften stools, and shorten transit time of fecal solids through the intestinal tract.
Unlike insoluble fiber, soluble fiber readily dissolves in water. Soluble fiber undergoes active metabolic processing via fermentation in the colon, increasing the colonic microflora and thereby increasing the mass of fecal solids. Fermentation of fibers by colonic bacteria also yields end-products with significant health benefits. For example, fermentation of the food masses produces gases and short-chain fatty acids. Acids produced during fermentation include butyric, acetic, propionic, and valeric acids that have various beneficial properties such as stabilizing blood glucose levels by acting on pancreatic insulin release and providing liver control by glycogen breakdown. In addition, fiber fermentation may reduce atherosclerosis by lowering cholesterol synthesis by the liver and reducing blood levels of LDL and triglycerides. The acids produced during fermentation lower colonic pH, thereby protecting the colon lining from cancer polyp formation. The lower colonic pH also increases mineral absorption, improves the barrier properties of the colonic mucosal layer, and inhibits inflammatory and adhesion irritants. Fermentation of fibers also may benefit the immune system by stimulating production of T-helper cells, antibodies, leukocytes, splenocytes, cytokinins and lymphocytes.

Fatty Acid

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient is at least one fatty acid. A sweetener composition may comprise at least one fatty acid, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one fatty acid, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one fatty acid, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one fatty acid may be single fatty acid or a plurality of fatty acids as a functional ingredient for the sweetener composition or sweetened compositions provided herein. Generally, the at least one fatty acid is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
As used herein, "fatty acid" refers to any straight chain monocarboxylic acid and includes saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, long chain fatty acids, medium chain fatty acids, short chain fatty acids, fatty acid precursors (including omega-9 fatty acid precursors), and esterified fatty acids. As used herein, "long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid" refers to any polyunsaturated carboxylic acid or organic acid with a long aliphatic tail. As used herein, "omega-3 fatty acid" refers to any polyunsaturated fatty acid having a first double bond as the third carbon-carbon bond from the terminal methyl end of its carbon chain. In particular embodiments, the omega-3 fatty acid may comprise a long chain omega-3 fatty acid. As used herein, "omega-6 fatty acid" any polyunsaturated fatty acid having a first double bond as the sixth carbon-carbon bond from the terminal methyl end of its carbon chain.
Suitable omega-3 fatty acids for use in embodiments of the present invention can be derived from algae, fish, animals, plants, or combinations thereof, for example. Examples of suitable omega-3 fatty acids include, linolenic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, stearidonic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, suitable omega-3 fatty acids can be provided in fish oils, (e.g., menhaden oil, tuna oil, salmon oil, bonito oil, and cod oil), microalgae omega-3 oils or combinations thereof. In particular embodiments, suitable omega-3 fatty acids may be derived from commercially available omega-3 fatty acid oils such as Microalgae DHA oil (from Martek, Columbia, MD), OmegaPure (from Omega Protein, Houston, TX), Marinol C-38 (from Lipid Nutrition, Channahon, IL), Bonito oil and MEG-3 (from Ocean Nutrition, Dartmouth, NS), Evogel (from Symrise, Holzminden, Germany), Marine Oil, from tuna or salmon (from Arista Wilton, CT), OmegaSource 2000, Marine Oil, from menhaden and Marine Oil, from cod (from OmegaSource, RTP, NC).
Suitable omega-6 fatty acids include, linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, dihommo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosadienoic acid, docosadienoic acid, adrenic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and combinations thereof.
Suitable esterified fatty acids for embodiments of the present invention may include, monoacylgycerols containing omega-3 and/or omega-6 fatty acids, diacylgycerols containing omega-3 and/or omega-6 fatty acids, or triacylgycerols containing omega-3 and/or omega-6 fatty acids and combinations thereof.

Vitamin

A sweetener composition may comprise at least one vitamin, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one vitamin, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one vitamin, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one vitamin may be single vitamin or a plurality of vitamins as a functional ingredient for the sweetener and sweetened compositions provided herein. Generally, the at least one vitamin is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.

Vitamins are organic compounds that the human body needs in small quantities for normal functioning. The body uses vitamins without breaking them down, unlike other nutrients such as carbohydrates and proteins. To date, thirteen vitamins have been recognized, and one or more can be used in the functional sweetener and sweetened compositions herein. Suitable vitamins include, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, and vitamin C. Many of vitamins also have alternative chemical names, examples of which are provided below.

Vitamin	Alternative names
Vitamin A	Retinol
	Retinaldehyde
	Retinoic acid
	Retinoids
	Retinal
	Retinoic ester
Vitamin D (vitamins D1-D5)	Calciferol
	Cholecalciferol
	Lumisterol
	Ergocalciferol
	Dihydrotachysterol
	7-dehydrocholesterol
Vitamin E	Tocopherol
	Tocotrienol
Vitamin K	Phylloquinone
	Naphthoquinone
Vitamin B1	Thiamin
Vitamin B2	Riboflavin
	Vitamin G
Vitamin B3	Niacin
	Nicotinic acid
	Vitamin PP
Vitamin B5	Pantothenic acid
Vitamin B6	Pyridoxine
	Pyridoxal
	Pyridoxamine
Vitamin B7	Biotin
	Vitamin H
Vitamin B9	Folic acid
	Folate
	Folacin
	Vitamin M
	Pteroyl-L-glutamic acid
Vitamin B12	Cobalamin
	Cyanocobalamin
Vitamin C	Ascorbic acid

Various other compounds have been classified as vitamins by some authorities. These compounds may be termed pseudo-vitamins and include, compounds such as ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10), pangamic acid, dimethylglycine, taestrile, amygdaline, flavanoids, para-aminobenzoic acid, adenine, adenylic acid, and s-methylmethionine. As used herein, the term vitamin includes pseudo-vitamins.
In some embodiments, the vitamin is a fat-soluble vitamin chosen from vitamin A, D, E, K and combinations thereof.
In other embodiments, the vitamin is a water-soluble vitamin chosen from vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid, vitamin C and combinations thereof.

Glucosamine

A sweetener composition may comprise glucosamine, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, glucosamine, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises glucosamine, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive.
Generally, glucosamine is present in the functional sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
Glucosamine, also called chitosamine, is an amino sugar that is believed to be an important precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids. D-glucosamine occurs naturally in the cartilage in the form of glucosamine-6-phosphate, which is synthesized from fructose-6-phosphate and glutamine. However, glucosamine also is available in other forms, examples of which include glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulfate, N-acetyl-glucosamine, or any other salt forms or combinations thereof. Glucosamine may be obtained by acid hydrolysis of the shells of lobsters, crabs, shrimps, or prawns using methods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In a particular embodiment, glucosamine may be derived from fungal biomass containing chitin, as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0172392 .
The sweetener compositions or sweetened composition can further comprise chondroitin sulfate.

Mineral

A sweetener composition may comprise at least one mineral, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one mineral, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one mineral, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one mineral may be single mineral or a plurality of minerals as a functional ingredient for the sweetener compositions or sweetened compositions provided herein. Generally, the at least one mineral is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
Minerals, in accordance with the teachings of this invention, comprise inorganic chemical elements required by living organisms. Minerals are comprised of a broad range of compositions (e.g., elements, simple salts, and complex silicates) and also vary broadly in crystalline structure. They may naturally occur in foods and beverages, may be added as a supplement, or may be consumed or administered separately from foods or beverages.
Minerals may be categorized as either bulk minerals, which are required in relatively large amounts, or trace minerals, which are required in relatively small amounts. Bulk minerals generally are required in amounts greater than or equal to about 100 mg per day and trace minerals are those that are required in amounts less than about 100 mg per day.
In particular embodiments of this invention, the mineral is chosen from bulk minerals, trace minerals or combinations thereof. Examples of bulk minerals include calcium, chlorine, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, and sulfur. Examples of trace minerals include chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, and iodine. Although iodine generally is classified as a trace mineral, it is required in larger quantities than other trace minerals and often is categorized as a bulk mineral.
In other particular embodiments of this invention, the mineral is a trace mineral, believed to be necessary for human nutrition, examples of which include bismuth, boron, lithium, nickel, rubidium, silicon, strontium, tellurium, tin, titanium, tungsten, and vanadium.
The minerals embodied herein may be in any form known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in a particular embodiment the minerals may be in their ionic form, having either a positive or negative charge. In another particular embodiment the minerals may be in their molecular form. For example, sulfur and phosphorous often are found naturally as sulfates, sulfides, and phosphates.

Preservative

A sweetener composition may comprise at least one preservative, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one preservative, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one preservative, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one preservative may be single preservative or a plurality of preservatives as a functional ingredient for the sweetener compositions or sweetened composition provided herein. Generally, the at least one preservative is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
In particular embodiments of this invention, the preservative is chosen from antimicrobials, antioxidants, antienzymatics or combinations thereof. Examples of antimicrobials include sulfites, propionates, benzoates, sorbates, nitrates, nitrites, bacteriocins, salts, sugars, acetic acid, dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC), ethanol, and ozone.
According to a particular embodiment, the preservative is a sulfite. Sulfites include, sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfite, and potassium hydrogen sulfite.
According to another particular embodiment, the preservative is a propionate. Propionates include, propionic acid, calcium propionate, and sodium propionate.
According to yet another particular embodiment, the preservative is a benzoate. Benzoates include, sodium benzoate and benzoic acid.
In another particular embodiment, the preservative is a sorbate. Sorbates include, potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate, calcium sorbate, and sorbic acid.
In still another particular embodiment, the preservative is a nitrate and/or a nitrite. Nitrates and nitrites include, sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite.
In yet another particular embodiment, the at least one preservative is a bacteriocin, such as, for example, nisin.
In another particular embodiment, the preservative is ethanol.
In still another particular embodiment, the preservative is ozone.
Examples of antienzymatics suitable for use as preservatives in particular embodiments of the invention include ascorbic acid, citric acid, and metal chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

Hydration Agent

A sweetener composition may comprise at least one hydration agent, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one hydration agent, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one hydration gent, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one hydration agent may be single hydration agent or a plurality of hydration agents as a functional ingredient for the sweetener compositions or sweetened composition provided herein. Generally, the at least one hydration agent is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
Hydration products help the body to replace fluids that are lost through excretion. For example, fluid is lost as sweat in order to regulate body temperature, as urine in order to excrete waste substances, and as water vapor in order to exchange gases in the lungs. Fluid loss can also occur due to a wide range of external causes, examples of which include physical activity, exposure to dry air, diarrhea, vomiting, hyperthermia, shock, blood loss, and hypotension. Diseases causing fluid loss include diabetes, cholera, gastroenteritis, shigellosis, and yellow fever. Forms of malnutrition that cause fluid loss include the excessive consumption of alcohol, electrolyte imbalance, fasting, and rapid weight loss.
In a particular embodiment, the hydration product is a composition that helps the body replace fluids that are lost during exercise. Accordingly, in a particular embodiment, the hydration product is an electrolyte, examples of which include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, bicarbonate, and combinations thereof. Suitable electrolytes for use in particular embodiments of this invention are also described in U.S. Patent No. 5,681,569 . In particular embodiments, the electrolytes are obtained from their corresponding water-soluble salts. Examples of salts for use in particular embodiments include chlorides, carbonates, sulfates, acetates, bicarbonates, citrates, phosphates, hydrogen phosphates, tartates, sorbates, citrates, benzoates, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the electrolytes are provided by juice, fruit extracts, vegetable extracts, tea, or teas extracts.
In particular embodiments of this invention, the hydration product is a carbohydrate to supplement energy stores burned by muscles. Suitable carbohydrates for use in particular embodiments of this invention are described in U.S. Patent Numbers 4,312,856 , 4,853,237 , 5,681,569 , and 6,989,171 . Examples of suitable carbohydrates include monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, complex polysaccharides or combinations thereof. Examples of suitable types of monosaccharides for use in particular embodiments include trioses, tetroses, pentoses, hexoses, heptoses, octoses, and nonoses. Examples of specific types of suitable monosaccharides include glyceraldehyde, dihydroxyacetone, erythrose, threose, erythrulose, arabinose, lyxose, ribose, xylose, ribulose, xylulose, allose, altrose, galactose, glucose, gulose, idose, mannose, talose, fructose, psicose, sorbose, tagatose, mannoheptulose, sedoheltulose, octolose, and sialose. Examples of suitable disaccharides include sucrose, lactose, and maltose. Examples of suitable oligosaccharides include saccharose, maltotriose, and maltodextrin. In other particular embodiments, the carbohydrates are provided by a corn syrup, a beet sugar, a cane sugar, a juice, or a tea.
In another particular embodiment, the hydration is a flavanol that provides cellular rehydration. Flavanols are a class of natural substances present in plants, and generally comprise a 2-phenylbenzopyrone molecular skeleton attached to one or more chemical moieties. Examples of suitable flavanols for use in particular embodiments of this invention include catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin 3-gallate, theaflavin, theaflavin 3-gallate, theaflavin 3'-gallate, theaflavin 3,3' gallate, thearubigin or combinations thereof. Several common sources of flavanols include tea plants, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. In preferred embodiments, the flavanol is extracted from green tea.
In a particular embodiment, the hydration product is a glycerol solution to enhance exercise endurance. The ingestion of a glycerol containing solution has been shown to provide beneficial physiological effects, such as expanded blood volume, lower heart rate, and lower rectal temperature.

Probiotics/Prebiotics

A sweetener composition may comprise at least one probiotic, prebiotic and combination thereof; Reb X; and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one at least one probiotic, prebiotic and combination thereof; Reb X; and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one probiotic, prebiotic and combination thereof; Reb X; and optionally at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one probiotic or prebiotic may be single probiotic or prebiotic or a plurality of probiotics or prebiotics as a functional ingredient for the sweetener compositions or sweetened composition provided herein. Generally, the at least one probiotic, prebiotic or combination thereof is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
Probiotics, in accordance with the teachings of this invention, comprise microorganisms that benefit health when consumed in an effective amount. Desirably, probiotics beneficially affect the human body's naturally-occurring gastrointestinal microflora and impart health benefits apart from nutrition. Probiotics may include, without limitation, bacteria, yeasts, and fungi.
According to particular embodiments, the probiotic is a beneficial microorganisms that beneficially affects the human body's naturally-occurring gastrointestinal microflora and imparts health benefits apart from nutrition. Examples of probiotics include, bacteria of the genus Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, Streptococci, or combinations thereof, that confer beneficial effects to humans.
In particular embodiments of the invention, the at least one probiotic is chosen from the genus Lactobacilli. Lactobacilli (i.e., bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, hereinafter "L.") have been used for several hundred years as a food preservative and for promoting human health. Examples of species of Lactobacilli found in the human intestinal tract include L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. fermentum, L. saliva roes, L. brevis, L. leichmannii, L. plantarum, L. cellobiosus, L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus, L. GG, L. bulgaricus, and L. thermophilus,.
According to other particular embodiments of this invention, the probiotic is chosen from the genus Bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria also are known to exert a beneficial influence on human health by producing short chain fatty acids (e.g., acetic, propionic, and butyric acids), lactic, and formic acids as a result of carbohydrate metabolism. Species of Bifidobacteria found in the human gastrointestinal tract include B. angulatum, B. animalis, B. asteroides, B. bifidum, B. boum, B. breve, B. catenulatum, B. choerinum, B. coryneforme, B. cuniculi, B. dentium, B. gallicum, B. gallinarum, B indicum, B. longum, B. magnum, B. merycicum, B. minimum, B. pseudocatenulatum, B. pseudolongum, B. psychraerophilum, B. pullorum, B. ruminantium, B. saeculare, B. scardovii, B. simiae, B. subtile, B. thermacidophilum, B. thermophilum, B. urinalis, and B. sp.
According to other particular embodiments of this invention, the probiotic is chosen from the genus Streptococcus. Streptococcus thermophilus is a gram-positive facultative anaerobe. It is classified as a lactic acid bacteria and commonly is found in milk and milk products, and is used in the production of yogurt. Other probiotic species of this bacteria include Streptococcus salivarus and Streptococcus cremoris.
Probiotics that may be used in accordance with this invention are well-known to those of skill in the art. Examples of foodstuffs comprising probiotics include yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, fermented vegetables, and other foodstuffs containing a microbial element that beneficially affects the host animal by improving the intestinal microbalance.
Prebiotics, in accordance with the teachings of this invention, are compositions that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Prebiotic substances can be consumed by a relevant probiotic, or otherwise assist in keeping the relevant probiotic alive or stimulate its growth. When consumed in an effective amount, prebiotics also beneficially affect the human body's naturally-occurring gastrointestinal microflora and thereby impart health benefits apart from just nutrition. Prebiotic foods enter the colon and serve as substrate for the endogenous bacteria, thereby indirectly providing the host with energy, metabolic substrates, and essential micronutrients. The body's digestion and absorption of prebiotic foods is dependent upon bacterial metabolic activity, which salvages energy for the host from nutrients that escaped digestion and absorption in the small intestine.
Prebiotics, in accordance with the embodiments of this invention, include, without limitation, mucopolysaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, nutrient precursors, proteins and combinations thereof.
According to a particular embodiment of this invention, the prebiotic is chosen from dietary fibers, including, without limitation, polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. These compounds have the ability to increase the number of probiotics, which leads to the benefits conferred by the probiotics. Examples of oligosaccharides that are categorized as prebiotics in accordance with particular embodiments of this invention include fructooligosaccharides, inulins, isomalto-oligosaccharides, lactilol, lactosucrose, lactulose, pyrodextrins, soy oligosaccharides, transgalacto-oligosaccharides, and xylo-oligosaccharides.
According to other particular embodiments of the invention, the prebiotic is an amino acid. Although a number of known prebiotics break down to provide carbohydrates for probiotics, some probiotics also require amino acids for nourishment.
Prebiotics are found naturally in a variety of foods including, bananas, berries, asparagus, garlic, wheat, oats, barley (and other whole grains), flaxseed, tomatoes, Jerusalem artichoke, onions and chicory, greens (e.g., dandelion greens, spinach, collard greens, chard, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens), and legumes (e.g., lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, navy beans, white beans, black beans).

Weight Management Agent

A sweetener composition may comprise at least one weight management agent, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one weight management agent, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one weight management agent, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one weight management agent may be single weight management agent or a plurality of weight management agents as a functional ingredient for the sweetener compositions or sweetened composition provided herein. Generally, the at least one weight management agent is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
As used herein, "a weight management agent" includes an appetite suppressant and/or a thermogenesis agent. As used herein, the phrases "appetite suppressant", "appetite satiation compositions", "satiety agents", and "satiety ingredients" are synonymous. The phrase "appetite suppressant" describes macronutrients, herbal extracts, exogenous hormones, anorectics, anorexigenics, pharmaceutical drugs, and combinations thereof, that when delivered in an effective amount, suppress, inhibit, reduce, or otherwise curtail a person's appetite. The phrase "thermogenesis agent" describes macronutrients, herbal extracts, exogenous hormones, anorectics, anorexigenics, pharmaceutical drugs, and combinations thereof, that when delivered in an effective amount, activate or otherwise enhance a person's thermogenesis or metabolism.
Suitable weight management agents include macronutrient selected from the group consisting of proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fats, and combinations thereof. Consumption of proteins, carbohydrates, and dietary fats stimulates the release of peptides with appetite-suppressing effects. For example, consumption of proteins and dietary fats stimulates the release of the gut hormone cholecytokinin (CCK), while consumption of carbohydrates and dietary fats stimulates release of Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).
Suitable macronutrient weight management agents also include carbohydrates. Carbohydrates generally comprise sugars, starches, cellulose and gums that the body converts into glucose for energy. Carbohydrates often are classified into two categories, digestible carbohydrates (e.g., monosaccharides, disaccharides, and starch) and non-digestible carbohydrates (e.g., dietary fiber). Studies have shown that non-digestible carbohydrates and complex polymeric carbohydrates having reduced absorption and digestibility in the small intestine stimulate physiologic responses that inhibit food intake. Accordingly, the carbohydrates embodied herein desirably comprise non-digestible carbohydrates or carbohydrates with reduced digestibility. Examples of such carbohydrates include polydextrose; inulin; monosaccharide-derived polyols such as erythritol, mannitol, xylitol, and sorbitol; disaccharide-derived alcohols such as isomalt, lactitol, and maltitol; and hydrogenated starch hydrolysates. Carbohydrates are described in more detail herein below.
In another particular embodiment weight management agent is a dietary fat. Dietary fats are lipids comprising combinations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to have a greater satiating power than mono-unsaturated fatty acids. Accordingly, the dietary fats embodied herein desirably comprise poly-unsaturated fatty acids, examples of which include triacylglycerols.
In a particular embodiment, the weight management agents is an herbal extract. Extracts from numerous types of plants have been identified as possessing appetite suppressant properties. Examples of plants whose extracts have appetite suppressant properties include plants of the genus Hoodia, Trichocaulon, Caralluma, Stapelia, Orbea, Asclepias, and Camelia. Other embodiments include extracts derived from Gymnema Sylvestre, Kola Nut, Citrus Auran tium, Yerba Mate, Griffonia Simplicifolia, Guarana, myrrh, guggul Lipid, and black current seed oil.
The herbal extracts may be prepared from any type of plant material or plant biomass. Examples of plant material and biomass include the stems, roots, leaves, dried powder obtained from the plant material, and sap or dried sap. The herbal extracts generally are prepared by extracting sap from the plant and then spray-drying the sap. Alternatively, solvent extraction procedures may be employed. Following the initial extraction, it may be desirable to further fractionate the initial extract (e.g., by column chromatography) in order to obtain an herbal extract with enhanced activity. Such techniques are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
In a particular embodiment, the herbal extract is derived from a plant of the genus Hoodia, species of which include H. alstonii, H. currorii, H. dregei, H. flava, H. gordonii, H. jutatae, H. mossamedensis, H. officinalis, H. parviflorai, H. pedicellata, H. pilifera, H. ruschii, and H. triebneri. Hoodia plants are stem succulents native to southern Africa. A sterol glycoside of Hoodia, known as P57, is believed to be responsible for the appetite-suppressant effect of the Hoodia species.
In another particular embodiment, the herbal extract is derived from a plant of the genus Caralluma, species of which include C. indica, C. fimbriata, C. attenuate, C. tuberculata, C. edulis, C. adscendens, C. stalagmifera, C. umbellate, C. penicillata, C. russeliana, C. retrospicens, C. Arabica, and C. lasiantha. Carralluma plants belong to the same Subfamily as Hoodia, Asclepiadaceae. Caralluma are small, erect and fleshy plants native to India having medicinal properties, such as appetite suppression, that generally are attributed to glycosides belonging to the pregnane group of glycosides, examples of which include caratuberside A, caratuberside B, bouceroside I, bouceroside II, bouceroside III, bouceroside IV, bouceroside V, bouceroside VI, bouceroside VII, bouceroside VIII, bouceroside IX, and bouceroside X.
In another particular embodiment, the at least one herbal extract is derived from a plant of the genus Trichocaulon. Trichocaulon plants are succulents that generally are native to southern Africa, similar to Hoodia, and include the species T. piliferum and T. officinale.
In another particular embodiment, the herbal extract is derived from a plant of the genus Stapelia or Orbea, species of which include S. gigantean and O. variegate, respectively. Both Stapelia and Orbea plants belong to the same Subfamily as Hoodia, Asclepiadaceae. Not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the compounds exhibiting appetite suppressant activity are saponins, such as pregnane glycosides, which include stavarosides A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, and K.
In another particular embodiment, the herbal extract is derived from a plant of the genus Asclepias. Asclepias plants also belong to the Asclepiadaceae family of plants. Examples of Asclepias plants include A. incarnate, A. curassayica, A. syriaca, and A. tuberose. Not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the extracts comprise steroidal compounds, such as pregnane glycosides and pregnane aglycone, having appetite suppressant effects.
In a particular embodiment, the weight management agent is an exogenous hormone having a weight management effect. Examples of such hormones include CCK, peptide YY, ghrelin, bombesin and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), enterostatin, apolipoprotein A-IV, GLP-1, amylin, somastatin, and leptin.
In another embodiment, the weight management agent is a pharmaceutical drug. Examples include phentenime, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, sibutramine, rimonabant, oxyntomodulin, floxetine hydrochloride, ephedrine, phenethylamine, or other stimulants.
The at least one weight management agent may be utilized individually or in combination as a functional ingredient for the sweetener compositions provided in this invention.

Osteoporosis Management Agent

A sweetener composition may comprise at least one osteoporosis management agent, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one osteoporosis management agent, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one osteoporosis management agent, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one osteoporosis management agent may be single osteoporosis management agent or a plurality of osteoporosis management agent as a functional ingredient for the sweetener compositions or sweetened composition provided herein. Generally, the at least one osteoporosis management agent is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder of compromised bone strength, resulting in an increased risk of bone fracture. Generally, osteoporosis is characterized by reduction of the bone mineral density (BMD), disruption of bone micro-architecture, and changes to the amount and variety of non-collagenous proteins in the bone.
In certain embodiments, the osteoporosis management agent is at least one calcium source. According to a particular embodiment, the calcium source is any compound containing calcium, including salt complexes, solubilized species, and other forms of calcium. Examples of calcium sources include amino acid chelated calcium, calcium carbonate, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, calcium phosphate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium citrate, calcium malate, calcium citrate malate, calcium gluconate, calcium tartrate, calcium lactate, solubilized species thereof, and combinations thereof.
According to a particular embodiment, the osteoporosis management agent is a magnesium soucrce. The magnesium source is any compound containing magnesium, including salt complexes, solubilized species, and other forms of magnesium. Examples of magnesium sources include magnesium chloride, magnesium citrate, magnesium gluceptate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium lactate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium picolate, magnesium sulfate, solubilized species thereof, and mixtures thereof. In another particular embodiment, the magnesium source comprises an amino acid chelated or creatine chelated magnesium.
In other embodiments, the osteoporosis agent is chosen from vitamins D, C, K, their precursors and/or beta-carotene and combinations thereof.
Numerous plants and plant extracts also have been identified as being effective in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the plants and plant extracts stimulates bone morphogenic proteins and/or inhibits bone resorption, thereby stimulating bone regeneration and strength. Examples of suitable plants and plant extracts as osteoporosis management agents include species of the genus Taraxacum and Amelanchier, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0106215 , and species of the genus Lindera, Artemisia, Acorus, Carthamus, Carum, Cnidium, Curcuma, Cyperus, Juniperus, Prunus, Iris, Cichorium, Dodonaea, Epimedium, Erigonoum, Soya, Mentha, Ocimum, thymus, Tanacetum, Plantago, Spearmint, Bixa, Vitis, Rosemarinus, Rhus, and Anethum, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0079232 .

Phytoestrogen

A sweetener composition may comprise at least one phytoestrogen, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one phytoestrogen, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one phytoestrogen, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one phytoestrogen may be single phytoestrogen or a plurality of phytoestrogens as a functional ingredient for the sweetener compositions or sweetened composition provided herein. Generally, the at least one phytoestrogen is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
Phytoestrogens are compounds found in plants which can typically be delivered into human bodies by ingestion of the plants or the plant parts having the phytoestrogens. As used herein, "phytoestrogen" refers to any substance which, when introduced into a body causes an estrogen-like effect of any degree. For example, a phytoestrogen may bind to estrogen receptors within the body and have a small estrogen-like effect.
Examples of suitable phytoestrogens for embodiments of this invention include, isoflavones, stilbenes, lignans, resorcyclic acid lactones, coumestans, coumestroI, equol, and combinations thereof. Sources of suitable phytoestrogens include, whole grains, cereals, fibers, fruits, vegetables, black cohosh, agave root, black currant, black haw, chasteberries, cramp bark, dong quai root, devil's club root, false unicorn root, ginseng root, groundsel herb, licorice, liferoot herb, motherwort herb, peony root, raspberry leaves, rose family plants, sage leaves, sarsaparilla root, saw palmetto berried, wild yam root, yarrow blossoms, legumes, soybeans, soy products (e.g., miso, soy flour, soymilk, soy nuts, soy protein isolate, tempen, or tofu) chick peas, nuts, lentils, seeds, clover, red clover, dandelion leaves, dandelion roots, fenugreek seeds, green tea, hops, red wine, flaxseed, garlic, onions, linseed, borage, butterfly weed, caraway, chaste tree, vitex, dates, dill, fennel seed, gotu kola, milk thistle, pennyroyal, pomegranates, southernwood, soya flour, tansy, and root of the kudzu vine (pueraria root), and combinations thereof.
Isoflavones belong to the group of phytonutrients called polyphenols. In general, polyphenols (also known as "polyphenolics"), are a group of chemical substances found in plants, characterized by the presence of more than one phenol group per molecule.
Suitable phytoestrogen isoflavones in accordance with embodiments of this invention include genistein, daidzein, glycitein, biochanin A, formononetin, their respective naturally occurring glycosides and glycoside conjugates, matairesinol, secoisolariciresinol, enterolactone, enterodiol, textured vegetable protein, and combinations thereof.
Suitable sources of isoflavones for embodiments of this invention include, soy beans, soy products, legumes, alfalfa spouts, chickpeas, peanuts, and red clover.

Long-Chain Primary Aliphatic Saturated Alcohol

A sweetener composition may comprise at least one long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohol, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohol, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohol, Reb X, and optionally at least one additive.
As used herein, the at least one long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohol may be single long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohol or a plurality of long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols as a functional ingredient for the sweetener compositions or sweetened composition provided herein. Generally, the at least one long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohol is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
Long-chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols are a diverse group of organic compounds. The term alcohol refers to the fact these compounds feature a hydroxyl group (-OH) bound to a carbon atom. The term primary refers to the fact that in these compounds the carbon atom which is bound to the hydroxyl group is bound to only one other carbon atom. The term saturated refers to the fact that these compounds feature no carbon to carbon pi bonds. The term aliphatic refers to the fact that the carbon atoms in these compounds are joined together in straight or branched chains rather than in rings. The term long-chain refers to the fact that the number of carbon atoms in these compounds is at least 8 carbons).
Examples of particular long-chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols for use in particular embodiments of the invention include the 8 carbon atom 1-octanol, the 9 carbon 1-nonanol, the 10 carbon atom 1-decanol, the 12 carbon atom 1-dodecanol, the 14 carbon atom 1-tetradecanol, the 16 carbon atom 1-hexadecanol, the 18 carbon atom 1-octadecanol, the 20 carbon atom l-eicosanol, the 22 carbon 1-docosanol, the 24 carbon 1-tetracosanol, the 26 carbon 1-hexacosanol, the 27 carbon 1-heptacosanol, the 28 carbon 1-octanosol, the 29 carbon 1-nonacosanol, the 30 carbon 1-triacontanol, the 32 carbon 1-dotriacontanol, and the 34 carbon 1-tetracontanol.
In a particularly desirable embodiment of the invention, the long-chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols are policosanol. Policosanol is the term for a mixture of long-chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols composed primarily of 28 carbon 1-octanosol and 30 carbon 1-triacontanol, as well as other alcohols in lower concentrations such as 22 carbon 1-docosanol, 24 carbon 1-tetracosanol, 26 carbon 1-hexacosanol, 27 carbon 1-heptacosanol, 29 carbon 1-nonacosanol, 32 carbon 1-dotriacontanol, and 34 carbon 1-tetracontanol.
Long-chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols are derived from natural fats and oils. They may be obtained from these sources by using extraction techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Policosanols can be isolated from a variety of plants and materials including sugar cane (Saccharum officinarium), yams (e.g. Dioscorea opposite), bran from rice (e.g. Oryza sativa), and beeswax. Policosanols may be obtained from these sources by using extraction techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A description of such extraction techniques can be found in U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 2005/0220868 .

Phytosterols

A sweetener composition may comprise at least one phytosterol, phytostanol or combination thereof; Reb X; and optionally at least one additive. In another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition, at least one phytosterol, phytostanol or combination thereof; Reb X; and optionally, at least one additive. In still another embodiment, a sweetened composition comprises a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener composition comprises at least one phytosterol, phytostanol or combination thereof; Reb X; and optionally at least one additive.
Generally, the at least one phytosterol, phytostanol or combination thereof is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.
As used herein, the phrases "stanol", "plant stanol" and "phytostanol" are synonymous.
Plant sterols and stanols are present naturally in small quantities in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, cereals, legumes, vegetable oils, bark of the trees and other plant sources. Although people normally consume plant sterols and stanols every day, the amounts consumed are insufficient to have significant cholesterol-lowering effects or other health benefits. Accordingly, it would be desirable to supplement food and beverages with plant sterols and stanols.
Sterols are a subgroup of steroids with a hydroxyl group at C-3. Generally, phytosterols have a double bond within the steroid nucleus, like cholesterol; however, phytosterols also may comprise a substituted sidechain (R) at C-24, such as an ethyl or methyl group, or an additional double bond. The structures of phytosterols are well known to those of skill in the art.
At least 44 naturally-occurring phytosterols have been discovered, and generally are derived from plants, such as corn, soy, wheat, and wood oils; however, they also may be produced synthetically to form compositions identical to those in nature or having properties similar to those of naturally-occurring phytosterols. According to particular embodiments of this invention, examples of phytosterols well known to those or ordinary skill in the art include 4-desmethylsterols (e.g., β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, 22-dehydrobrassicasterol, and Δ5-avenasterol), 4-monomethyl sterols, and 4,4-dimethyl sterols (triterpene alcohols) (e.g., cycloartenol, 24-methylenecycloartanol, and cyclobranol).
As used herein, the phrases "stanol", "plant stanol" and "phytostanol" are synonymous. Phytostanols are saturated sterol alcohols present in only trace amounts in nature and also may be synthetically produced, such as by hydrogenation of phytosterols. According to particular embodiments of this invention, examples of phytostanols include β-sitostanol, campestanol, cycloartanol, and saturated forms of other triterpene alcohols.
Both phytosterols and phytostanols, as used herein, include the various isomers such as the α and β isomers (e.g., α-sitosterol and β-sitostanol, which comprise one of the most effective phytosterols and phytostanols, respectively, for lowering serum cholesterol in mammals).
The phytosterols and phytostanols may be in their ester form. Suitable methods for deriving the esters of phytosterols and phytostanols are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are disclosed in U.S. Patent Numbers 6,589,588 , 6,635,774 , 6,800,317 , and U.S. Patent Publication Number 2003/0045473 . Examples of suitable phytosterol and phytostanol esters include sitosterol acetate, sitosterol oleate, stigmasterol oleate, and their corresponding phytostanol esters. The phytosterols and phytostanols may include their derivatives.
Generally, the amount of functional ingredient in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition varies widely depending on the particular sweetener composition or sweetened composition and the desired functional ingredient. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily acertain the appropriate amount of functional ingredient for each sweetener composition or sweetened composition.
A method for preparing a sweetener composition comprises combining Reb X and at least one sweetener and/or additive and/or functional ingredient. A method for preparing a sweetener composition comprises combining a composition comprising Reb X and at least one sweetener and/or additive and/or functional ingredient. Reb X can be provided in its pure form as the sole sweetener in the sweetener composition, or it can be provided as part of a steviol glycoside mixture of Stevia extract.

Sweetened Compositions

Reb X or sweetener compositions comprising Reb X can be incorporated in any known edible material (referred to herein as a "sweetenable composition"), such as, for example, pharmaceutical compositions, edible gel mixes and compositions, dental compositions, foodstuffs (confections, condiments, chewing gum, cereal compositions baked goods dairy products, and tabletop sweetener compositions) beverages and beverage products.
A sweetened composition may comprise a sweetenable composition and Reb X. A sweetened composition may comprise a sweetener composition comprising Reb X. The sweetened compositions can optionally include additives, sweeteners, functional ingredients and combinations thereof.
A method for preparing a sweetened composition comprises combining a sweetenable composition and Reb X. The method can further comprise adding and at least one sweetener and/or additive and/or functional ingredient. Another method for preparing a sweetened composition comprises combining a sweetenable composition and a sweetener composition comprising Reb X. Reb X can be provided in its pure form as the sole sweetener in the sweetener composition, or it can be provided as part of a steviol glycoside mixture of Stevia extract. Any of the sweeteners, additives and functional ingredients described herein can be used in the sweetened compositions of the present invention. In the present invention, the sweetened composition is a beverage comprising Rebaudioside X in an amount from 100 ppm to 600 ppm.

Beverages

In the present invention, the sweetened composition is a beverage comprising Rebaudioside X in an amount from 100 ppm to 600 ppm. The beverage is a ready-to-drink beverage, which may be prepared from a beverage concentrate, a beverage syrup, or a powdered beverage. Suitable ready-to-drink beverages include carbonated and non-carbonated beverages. Carbonated beverages include, enhanced sparkling beverages, cola, lemon-lime flavored sparkling beverage, orange flavored sparkling beverage, grape flavored sparkling beverage, strawberry flavored sparkling beverage, pineapple flavored sparkling beverage, ginger-ale, soft drinks and root beer. Non-carbonated beverages include, fruit juice, fruit-flavored juice, juice drinks, nectars, vegetable juice, vegetable-flavored juice, sports drinks, energy drinks, enhanced water drinks, enhanced water with vitamins, near water drinks (e.g., water with natural or synthetic flavorants), coconut water, tea type drinks (e.g. black tea, green tea, red tea, oolong tea), coffee, cocoa drink, beverage containing milk components (e.g. milk beverages, coffee containing milk components, café au lait, milk tea, fruit milk beverages), beverages containing cereal extracts, smoothies and combinations thereof.
Beverage concentrates and beverage syrups are prepared with an initial volume of liquid matrix (e.g. water) and the desired beverage ingredients. Full strength beverages are then prepared by adding further volumes of water. Powdered beverages are prepared by dry-mixing all of the beverage ingredients in the absence of a liquid matrix. Full strength beverages are then prepared by adding the full volume of water.
Beverages comprise a liquid matrix, i.e. the basic ingredient in which the ingredients - including the sweetener or sweetener compositions - are dissolved. In one embodiment, a beverage comprises water of beverage quality as the liquid matrix, such as, for example deionized water, distilled water, reverse osmosis water, carbon-treated water, purified water, demineralized water and combinations thereof, can be used. Additional suitable liquid matrices include, phosphoric acid, phosphate buffer, citric acid, citrate buffer and carbon-treated water.
In one embodiment, a beverage contains Reb X as the sole sweetener.
In another embodiment, a beverage contains a sweetener composition comprising Reb X. Any sweetener composition comprising Reb X detailed herein can be used in the beverages.
A method of preparing a beverage may comprise combining a liquid matrix and Reb X. The method can further comprise addition of one or more sweeteners, additives and/or functional ingredients.
Another method of preparing a beverage comprises combining a liquid matrix and a sweetener composition comprising Reb X.
The beverage contains Reb X in an amount ranging from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm. In other embodiments, Reb X is present in a beverage in an amount ranging from 100 to about 200 ppm, from 100 ppm to about 300 ppm, from 100 ppm to about 400 ppm, or from 100 ppm to about 500 ppm. In still another embodiment, Reb X is present in a beverage in an amount ranging from about 400 ppm to about 600 ppm. In a particular embodiment, Reb X is present in a beverage an amount of about 500 ppm.
In another embodiment, a beverage contains a sweetener composition containing Reb X, wherein Reb X is present in the beverage in an amount ranging from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm. In yet other embodiments, Reb X is present in the beverage in an amount ranging from 100 to about 200 ppm, from 100 ppm to about 300 ppm, from 100 ppm to about 400 ppm, or from 100 ppm to about 500 ppm. In still another embodiment, Reb X is present in the beverage in an amount ranging from about 400 ppm to about 600 ppm. In a particular embodiment, Reb X is present in the beverage in an amount of about 500 ppm.
The beverage can further include at least one additional sweetener. Any of the sweeteners detailed herein can be used, including natural, non-natural, or synthetic sweeteners.
In one embodiment, carbohydrate sweeteners can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 100 ppm to about 140,000 ppm. Synthetic sweeteners may be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 0.3 ppm to about 3,500 ppm. Natural high potency sweeteners may be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 0.1 ppm to about 3,000 ppm.
The beverage can further include additives including, carbohydrates, polyols, amino acids and their corresponding salts, poly-amino acids and their corresponding salts, sugar acids and their corresponding salts, nucleotides, organic acids, inorganic acids, organic salts including organic acid salts and organic base salts, inorganic salts, bitter compounds, caffeine, flavorants and flavoring ingredients, astringent compounds, proteins or protein hydrolysates, surfactants, emulsifiers, weighing agents, juice, dairy, cereal and other plant extracts, flavonoids, alcohols, polymers and combinations thereof. Any suitable additive described herein can be used.
In one embodiment, the polyol can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 100 ppm to about 250,000 ppm, such as, for example, from about 5,000 ppm to about 40,000 ppm.
In another embodiment, the amino acid can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 10 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, such as, for example, from about 1,000 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, from about 2,500 ppm to about 5,000 ppm or from about 250 ppm to about 7,500 ppm.
In still another embodiment, the nucleotide can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 5 ppm to about 1,000 ppm.
In yet another embodiment, the organic acid additive can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 10 ppm to about 5,000 ppm.
In yet another embodiment, the inorganic acid additive can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 25 ppm to about 25,000 ppm.
In still another embodiment, the bitter compound can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 25 ppm to about 25,000 ppm.
In yet another embodiment, the flavorant can be present in the beverage a concentration from about 0.1 ppm to about 4,000 ppm.
In a still further embodiment, the polymer can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 30 ppm to about 2,000 ppm.
In another embodiment, the protein hydrosylate can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 200 ppm to about 50,000.
In yet another embodiment, the surfactant additive can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 30 ppm to about 2,000 ppm.
In still another embodiment, the flavonoid additive can be present in the beverage a concentration from about 0.1 ppm to about 1,000 ppm.
In yet another embodiment, the alcohol additive can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 625 ppm to about 10,000 ppm.
In a still further embodiment, the astringent additive can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 10 ppm to about 5,000 ppm.
The beverage can further contain one or more functional ingredients, detailed above. Functional ingredients include, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, preservatives, glucosamine, polyphenols and combinations thereof. Any suitable functional ingredient described herein can be used.
It is contemplated that the pH of the sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage, does not materially or adversely affect the taste of the sweetener. A nonlimiting example of the pH range of the sweetenable composition may be from about 1.8 to about 10. A further example includes a pH range from about 2 to about 5. In a particular embodiment, the pH of beverage can be from about 2.5 to about 4.2. One of skill in the art will understand that the pH of the beverage can vary based on the type of beverage. Dairy beverages, for example, can have pHs greater than 4.2.
The titratable acidity of a beverage comprising Reb X may, for example, range from about 0.01 to about 1.0% by weight of beverage.
In one embodiment, the sparkling beverage product has an acidity from about 0.01 to about 1.0% by weight of the beverage, such as, for example, from about 0.05% to about 0.25% by weight of beverage.
The carbonation of a sparkling beverage product has 0 to about 2% (w/w) of carbon dioxide or its equivalent, for example, from about 0.1 to about 1.0% (w/w).
The temperature of a beverage comprising Reb X may, for example, range from about 4°C to about 100 °C, such as, for example, from about 4°C to about 25°C.
The beverage can be a full-calorie beverage that has up to about 120 calories per 8 oz (237 ml) serving.
The beverage can be a mid-calorie beverage that has up to about 60 calories per 8 oz (237 ml) serving.
The beverage can be a low-calorie beverage that has up to about 40 calories per 8 oz (237 ml) serving.
The beverage can be a zero-calorie that has less than about 5 calories per 8 oz. (237 ml) serving.
In one embodiment, a beverage comprises between about 200 ppm and about 500 ppm Reb X, wherein the liquid matrix of the beverage is selected from the group consisting of water, acidified water, phosphoric acid, phosphate buffer, citric acid, citrate buffer, carbon-treated water and combinations thereof. The pH of the beverage can be from about 2.5 to about 4.2. The beverage can further include additives, such as, for example, erythritol. The beverage can further include functional ingredients, such as, for example vitamins.
In particular embodiments, a beverage comprises Reb X; a polyol selected from erythritol, maltitol, mannitol, xylitol, glycerol, sorbitol, and combinations thereof; and optionally at least one additional sweetener and/or functional ingredient. In a particular embodiment, the polyol is erythritol. In one embodiment, Reb X and the polyol are present in the beverage in a weight ratio from about 1:1 to about 1:800, such as, for example, from about 1:4 to about 1:800, from about 1:20 to about 1:600, from about 1:50 to about 1:300 or from about 1:75 to about 1:150. Reb X is present in the beverage in a concentration from 100 ppm to 600 ppm, such as, for example, about 500 ppm. The polyol, such as, for example, erythritol, is present in the beverage in a concentration from about 100 ppm to about 250,000 ppm, such as, for example, from about 5,000 ppm to about 40,000 ppm, from about 1,000 ppm to about 35,000 ppm.
In a particular embodiment, a beverage comprises a sweetener composition comprising Reb X and erythritol as the sweetener component of the sweetener composition. Generally, erythritol can comprise from about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight of the sweetener component. Reb X can be present in the beverage in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm and erythritol can be from about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight of the sweetener component. In a particular embodiment, the concentration of Reb X in the beverage is about 300 ppm and erythritol is 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight of the sweetener component. The pH of the beverage is preferably between about 2.5 to about 4.2.
In particular embodiments, a beverage comprises Reb X; a carbohydrate sweetener selected from sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose and combinations thereof; and optionally at least one additional sweetener and/or functional ingredient. The Reb X can be provided as a pure compound or as part of a Stevia extract or steviol glycoside mixture, as described above. Reb X can be present in an amount from about 5% to about 99% by weight on a dry basis in either a steviol glycoside mixture or a Stevia extract. In one embodiment, Reb X and the carbohydrate are present in a sweetener composition in a weight ratio from about 0.001:14 to about 1: 0.01, such as, for example, about 0.06: 6. Reb X is present in the beverage in a concentration from 100 ppm to 600 ppm, such as, for example, about 500 ppm. The carbohydrate, such as, for example, sucrose, is present in the beverage a concentration from about 100 ppm to about 140,000 ppm, such as, for example, from about 1,000 ppm to about 100,000 ppm, from about 5,000 ppm to about 80,000 ppm.
In particular embodiments, a beverage comprises Reb X; an amino acid selected from glycine, alanine, proline, taurine and combinations thereof; and optionally at least one additional sweetener and/or functional ingredient. Reb X is present in the beverage in a concentration from 100 ppm to 600 ppm, such as, for example, about 500 ppm. The amino acid, such as, for example, glycine, can be present in the beverage in a concentration from about 10 ppm to about 50,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, from about 1,000 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, from about 2,500 ppm to about 5,000 ppm
In particular embodiments, a beverage comprises Reb X; a salt selected from sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, phosphate salts and combinations thereof; and optionally at least one additional sweetener and/or functional ingredient. Reb X is present in the beverage in a concentration from 100 ppm to 600 ppm, such as, for example, about 500 ppm. The inorganic salt, such as, for example, magnesium chloride, is present in the beverage in a concentration from about 25 ppm to about 25,000 ppm, such as, for example, from about 100 ppm to about 4,000 ppm or from about 100 ppm to about 3,000 ppm.
In another embodiment, a beverage comprises a sweetener composition comprising Reb X and Reb B as the sweetener component of the sweetener composition. The relative weight percent of Reb X and Reb B can each vary from about 1% to about 99% when dry, such as for example, about 95% Reb X/5% Reb B, about 90% Reb X/10% Reb B, about 85% Reb X/15% Reb B, about 80% Reb X/20% Reb B, about 75%Reb X/25% Reb B, about 70% Reb X/30% Reb B, about 65% Reb X/35% Reb B, about 60% Reb X/40% Reb B, about 55% Reb X/45% Reb B, about 50% Reb X/50% Reb B, about 45% Reb X/55% Reb B, about 40% Reb X/60% Reb B, about 35% Reb X/65% Reb B, about 30% Reb X/70% Reb B, about 25% Reb X/75% Reb B, about 20% Reb X/80% Reb B, about 15% Reb X/85% Reb B, about 10% Reb X/90% Reb B or about 5% Reb X/10% Reb B. In a particular embodiment, Reb B comprises from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the sweetener component, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 30% or about 15% to about 25%. In another particular embodiment, Reb X is present in the beverage in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm, such as, for example, from 100 to about 400 ppm, and Reb B comprises from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the sweetener component. In another embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm and Reb B is present in a concentration from about 10 to about 150 ppm. In a more particular embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration of about 300 ppm and Reb B is present in a concentration from about 50 ppm to about 100 ppm. The pH of the beverage is preferably between about 2.5 to about 4.2.
In another embodiment, a beverage comprises a sweetener composition comprises Reb X and NSF-02 (available from PureCircle) as the sweetener component of the sweetener composition. The relative weight percent of Reb X and NSF-02 can each vary from about 1% to about 99%, such as for example, about 95% Reb X/5% NSF-02, about 90% Reb X/10% NSF-02, about 85% Reb X/15% NSF-02, about 80% Reb X/20% NSF-02, about 75% Reb X/25% NSF-02, about 70% Reb X/30% NSF-02, about 65% Reb X/35% NSF-02, about 60% Reb X/40% NSF-02, about 55% Reb X/45% NSF-02, about 50% Reb X/50% NSF-02, about 45% Reb X/55% NSF-02, about 40% Reb X/60% NSF-02, about 35% Reb X/65% NSF-02, about 30% Reb X/70% NSF-02, about 25% Reb X/75% NSF-02, about 20% Reb X/80% NSF-02, about 15% Reb X/85% NSF-02, about 10% Reb X/90% NSF-02 or about 5% Reb X/10% NSF-02. In a particular embodiment, NSF-02 comprises from about 5% to about 50% by weight of the sweetener component, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 40% or about 20% to about 30%. In another particular embodiment, Reb X is present in the beverage in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm, such as, for example, from 100 to about 400 ppm, and NSF-02 comprises from about 5% to about 50% by weight of the sweetener component. In a more particular embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm and NSF-02 is present in a concentration from about 10 ppm about 150 ppm. In a more particular embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration of about 300 ppm and NSF-02 is present in a concentration from about 25 ppm to about 100 ppm. The pH of the beverage is preferably between about 2.5 to about 4.2.
In still another embodiment, a beverage comprises a sweetener composition comprises Reb X and mogroside V as the sweetener component of the sweetener composition. The relative weight percent of Reb X and mogroside V can each vary from about 1% to about 99%, such as for example, about 95% Reb X/5% mogroside V, about 90% Reb X/10% mogroside V, about 85% Reb X/15% mogroside V, about 80% Reb X/20% mogroside V, about 75% Reb X/25% mogroside V, about 70% Reb X/30% mogroside V, about 65% Reb X/35% mogroside V, about 60% Reb X/40% mogroside V, about 55% Reb X/45% mogroside V, about 50% Reb X/50% mogroside V, about 45% Reb X/55% mogroside V, about 40% Reb X/60% mogroside V, about 35% Reb X/65% mogroside V, about 30% Reb X/70% mogroside V, about 25% Reb X/75% mogroside V, about 20% Reb X/80% mogroside V, about 15% Reb X/85% mogroside V, about 10% Reb X/90% mogroside V or about 5% Reb X/10% mogroside V. In a particular embodiment, mogroside V comprises from about 5% to about 50% of the sweetener component, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 40% or about 20% to about 30%. In another particular embodiment, Reb X is present in the beverage in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm, such as, for example, from about 100 to about 400 ppm, and mogroside V comprises from about 5% to about 50% by weight of the sweetener component. In a more particular embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm and mogroside V is present in a concentration from about 10 ppm about 250 ppm. In a more particular embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration of about 300 ppm and mogroside is present in a concentration from about 100 ppm to about 200 ppm. The pH of the beverage is preferably between about 2.5 to about 4.2.
In another embodiment, a beverage comprises a sweetener composition comprises Reb X and Reb A as the sweetener component of the sweetener composition. The relative weight percent of Reb X and Reb A can each vary from about 1% to about 99%, such as for example, about 95% Reb X/5% Reb A, about 90% Reb X/10% Reb A, about 85% Reb X/15% Reb A, about 80% Reb X/20% Reb A, about 75% Reb X/25% Reb A, about 70% Reb X/30% Reb A, about 65% Reb X/35% Reb A, about 60% Reb X/40% Reb A, about 55% Reb X/45% Reb A, about 50% Reb X/50% Reb A, about 45% Reb X/55% Reb A, about 40% Reb X/60% Reb A, about 35% Reb X/65% Reb A, about 30% Reb X/70% Reb A, about 25% Reb X/75% Reb A, about 20% Reb X/80% Reb A, about 15% Reb X/85% Reb A, about 10% Reb X/90% Reb A or about 5% Reb X/10% Reb A. In a particular embodiment, Reb A comprises from about 5% to about 40% of the sweetener component, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 30% or about 15% to about 25%. In another particular embodiment, Reb X is present in the beverage in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm, such as, for example, from 100 to about 400 ppm, and Reb A comprises from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the sweetener component. In another embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm and Reb A is present in a concentration from about 10 to about 500 ppm. In a more particular embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration of about 300 ppm and Reb A is present in a concentration from of about 100 ppm. The pH of the beverage is preferably between about 2.5 to about 4.2.
In another embodiment, a beverage comprises a sweetener composition comprising Reb X and Reb D as the sweetener component of the sweetener composition. The relative weight percent of Reb X and Reb D can each vary from about 1% to about 99%, such as for example, about 95% Reb X/5% Reb D, about 90% Reb X/10% Reb D, about 85% Reb X/15% Reb D, about 80% Reb X/20% Reb D, about 75% Reb X/25% Reb D, about 70% Reb X/30% Reb D, about 65% Reb X/35% Reb D, about 60% Reb X/40% Reb D, about 55% Reb X/45% Reb D, about 50% Reb X/50% Reb D, about 45% Reb X/55% Reb D, about 40% Reb X/60% Reb D, about 35% Reb X/65% Reb D, about 30% Reb X/70% Reb D, about 25% Reb X/75% Reb D, about 20% Reb X/80% Reb D, about 15% Reb X/85% Reb D, about 10% Reb X/90% Reb D or about 5% Reb X/10% Reb D. In a particular embodiment, Reb D comprises from about 5% to about 40% of the sweetener component, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 30% or about 15% to about 25%. In another particular embodiment, Reb X is present in the beverage in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm, such as, for example, from 100 to about 400 ppm, and Reb D comprises from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the sweetener component. In another embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm and Reb D is present in a concentration from about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm. In a more particular embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration of about 300 ppm and Reb D is present in a concentration from of about 100 ppm. The pH of the beverage is preferably between about 2.5 to about 4.2.
In another embodiment, a beverage comprises a sweetener composition comprises Reb X, Reb A and Reb D as the sweetener component of the sweetener composition. The relative weight percent of Reb X, Reb A and Reb D can each vary from about 1% to about 99%. In a particular embodiment, Reb A and Reb D together comprise from about 5% to about 40% of the sweetener component, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 30% or about 15% to about 25%. In another particular embodiment, Reb X is present in the beverage in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm, such as, for example, from 100 to about 400 ppm, and Reb A and Reb D together comprise from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the sweetener component. In another embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm, Reb A is present in a concentration from about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm and Reb D is present in a concentration from about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm. In a more particular embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration of about 200 ppm, Reb A is present in a concentration of about 100 ppm and Reb D is present in a concentration from of about 100 ppm. The pH of the beverage is preferably between about 2.5 to about 4.2.
In another embodiment, a beverage comprises a sweetener composition comprises Reb X, Reb B and Reb D as the sweetener component of the sweetener composition. The relative weight percent of Reb X, Reb B and Reb D can each vary from about 1% to about 99%. In a particular embodiment, Reb B and Reb D together comprise from about 5% to about 40% of the sweetener component, such as, for example, from about 10% to about 30% or about 15% to about 25%. In another particular embodiment, Reb X is present in the beverage in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm, such as, for example, from 100 to about 400 ppm, and Reb B and Reb D together comprise from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the sweetener component. In another embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration from 100 ppm to about 600 ppm, Reb B is present in a concentration from about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm and Reb D is present in a concentration from about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm. In a more particular embodiment, Reb X is present in a concentration of about 200 ppm, Reb B is present in a concentration of about 100 ppm and Reb D is present in a concentration from of about 100 ppm. The pH of the beverage is preferably between about 2.5 to about 4.2.

Methods for Improving Temporal and/or Flavor Profile (not claimed)

A method for imparting a more sugar-like temporal profile, flavor profile, or both to a sweetenable composition comprises combining a sweetenable composition with Reb X or sweetener compositions containing Reb X.
The method can further include the addition of other sweeteners, additives, functional ingredients and combinations thereof. Any sweetener, additive or functional ingredient detailed herein can be used.
As used herein, the "sugar-like" characteristics include any characteristic similar to that of sucrose and include, maximal response, flavor profile, temporal profile, adaptation behavior, mouthfeel, concentration/response function, tastant/and flavor/sweet taste interactions, spatial pattern selectivity, and temperature effects.
The flavor profile of a sweetener is a quantitative profile of the relative intensities of all of the taste attributes exhibited. Such profiles often are plotted as histograms or radar plots.
These characteristics are dimensions in which the taste of sucrose is different from the tastes of Reb X. Of these, however, the flavor profile and temporal profile are particularly important. In a single tasting of a sweet food or beverage, differences (1) in the attributes that constitute a sweetener's flavor profile and (2) in the rates of sweetness onset and dissipation, which constitute a sweetener's temporal profile, between those observed for sucrose and for Reb X can be noted.
Whether or not a characteristic is more sugar-like is determined by an expert sensory panel who taste compositions comprising sugar and compositions comprising Reb X, both with and without additives, and provide their impression as to the similarities of the characteristics of the sweetener compositions, both with and without additives, with those comprising sugar. A suitable procedure for determining whether a composition has a more sugar-like taste is described in embodiments described herein below.
A panel of assessors is used to measure the reduction of sweetness linger. Briefly described, a panel of assessors (generally 8 to 12 individuals) is trained to evaluate sweetness perception and measure sweetness at several time points from when the sample is initially taken into the mouth until 3 minutes after it has been expectorated. Using statistical analysis, the results are compared between samples containing additives and samples that do not contain additives. A decrease in score for a time point measured after the sample has cleared the mouth indicates there has been a reduction in sweetness perception.
The panel of assessors may be trained using procedures well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The panel of assessors may be trained using the Spectrum^™ Descriptive Analysis Method (Meilgaard et al, Sensory Evaluation Techniques, 3rd edition, Chapter 11). Desirably, the focus of training should be the recognition of and the measure of the basic tastes; specifically, sweet. In order to ensure accuracy and reproducibility of results, each assessor should repeat the measure of the reduction of sweetness linger about three to about five times per sample, taking at least a five minute break between each repetition and/or sample and rinsing well with water to clear the mouth.
Generally, the method of measuring sweetness comprises taking a 10 mL sample into the mouth, holding the sample in the mouth for 5 seconds and gently swirling the sample in the mouth, rating the sweetness intensity perceived at 5 seconds, expectorating the sample (without swallowing following expectorating the sample), rinsing with one mouthful of water (e.g., vigorously moving water in mouth as if with mouth wash) and expectorating the rinse water, rating the sweetness intensity perceived immediately upon expectorating the rinse water, waiting 45 seconds and, while waiting those 45 seconds, identifying the time of maximum perceived sweetness intensity and rating the sweetness intensity at that time (moving the mouth normally and swallowing as needed), rating the sweetness intensity after another 10 seconds, rating the sweetness intensity after another 60 seconds (cumulative 120 seconds after rinse), and rating the sweetness intensity after still another 60 seconds (cumulative 180 seconds after rinse). Between samples take a 5 minute break, rinsing well with water to clear the mouth.

Delivery Systems

Reb X and sweetener compositions comprising Reb X can also be formulated into various delivery systems having improved ease of handling and rate of dissolution. Examples of suitable delivery systems comprise sweetener compositions co-crystallized with a sugar or a polyol, agglomerated sweetener compositions, compacted sweetener compositions, dried sweetener compositions, particle sweetener compositions, spheronized sweetener compositions, granular sweetener compositions, and liquid sweetener compositions.

Co-crystallized Sugar/Polyol and Reb X Composition

A sweetener composition may be co-crystallized with a sugar or a polyol in various ratios to prepare a substantially water soluble sweetener with substantially no dusting problems. Sugar, as used herein, generally refers to sucrose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁). Polyol, as used herein, is synonymous with sugar alcohol and generally refers to a molecule that contains more than one hydroxyl group, erythritol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, lactitol, xylitol, isomalt, propylene glycol, glycerol (glycerine), threitol, galactitol, palatinose, reduce isomalto-oligosaccharides, reduced xylo-oligosaccharides, reduced gentio-oligosaccharides, reduced maltose syrup, reduced glucose syrup, and sugar alcohols or any other carbohydrates capable of being reduced which do not adversely affect the taste of the sweetener composition.
Processes for preparing a sugar or a polyol co-crystallized Reb X sweetener composition are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are discussed in more detail in U.S. Patent 6,214,402 . The process for preparing a sugar or a polyol co-crystallized Reb X sweetener composition may comprise the steps of preparing a supersaturated sugar or polyol syrup, adding a predetermined amount of premix comprising a desired ratio of the Reb X sweetener composition and sugar or polyol to the syrup with vigorous mechanical agitation, removing the sugar or polyol syrup mixture from heat, and quickly cooling the sugar or polyol syrup mixture with vigorous agitation during crystallization and agglomeration. During the process the Reb X sweetener composition is incorporated as an integral part of the sugar or polyol matrix, thereby preventing the sweetener composition from separating or settling out of the mixture during handling, packaging, or storing. The resulting product may be granular, free-flowing, non-caking, and may be readily and uniformly dispersed or dissolved in water.
A sugar or a polyol syrup may be obtained commercially or by effectively mixing a sugar or a polyol with water. The sugar or polyol syrup may be supersaturated to produce a syrup with a solids content in the range of about 95 to about 98 % by weight of the syrup by removing water from the sugar syrup. Generally, the water may be removed from the sugar or polyol syrup by heating and agitating the sugar or polyol syrup while maintaining the sugar or polyol syrup at a temperature of not less than about 120°C to prevent premature crystallization.
In another particular process, a dry premix is prepared by combining the Reb X sweetener composition and a sugar or a polyol in a desired amount. According to certain processes, the weight ratio of the Reb X sweetener composition to sugar or polyol is in the range of about 0.001:1 to about 1:1. Other components, such as flavors or other high-potency sweeteners, also may be added to the dry premix, so long as the amount does not adversely affect the overall taste of the sugar co-crystallized sweetener composition.
The amounts of premix and supersaturated syrup may be varied in order to produce products with varying levels of sweetness. In particular processes, the Reb X sweetener composition is present in an amount from about 0.001 % to about 50 % by weight of the final product, or from about 0.001 % to about 5 %, or from about 0.001 % to about 2.5 %.
The sugar or polyol co-crystallized sweetener compositions disclosed herein are suitable for use in any sweetenable composition to replace conventional caloric sweeteners, as well as other types of low-caloric or non-caloric sweeteners. In addition, the sugar or polyol co-crystallized sweetener composition described herein can be combined with bulking agents, examples of which include dextrose, maltodextrin, lactose, inulin, polyols, polydextrose, cellulose and cellulose derivatives. Such products may be particularly suitable for use as tabletop sweeteners.

Agglomerated Sweetener Composition

An agglomerate of a Reb X sweetener composition may be formed. As used herein, "sweetener agglomerate" means a plurality of sweetener particles clustered and held together. Examples of sweetener agglomerates include, binder held agglomerates, extrudates, and granules.

Binder Held Agglomerates

A process for preparing an agglomerate of a Reb X sweetener composition, a binding agent and a carrier is disclosed herein. Methods for making agglomerates are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are disclosed in more detail in U.S. Patent 6,180,157 . Generally described, the process for preparing an agglomerate comprises the steps of preparing a premix solution comprising a Reb X sweetener composition and a binding agent in a solvent, heating the premix to a temperature sufficient to effectively form a mixture of the premix, applying the premix onto a fluidized carrier by a fluid bed agglomerator, and drying the resulting agglomerate. The sweetness level of the resulting agglomerate may be modified by varying the amount of the sweetener composition in the premix solution.
The premix solution may comprise a Reb X sweetener composition and a binding agent dissolved in a solvent. The binding agent may have sufficient binding strength to facilitate agglomeration. Examples of suitable binding agents include maltodextrin, sucrose, gellan gum, gum arabic, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellobiose, proteins and mixtures thereof. The Reb X sweetener composition and binding agent may be dissolved in the same solvent or in two separate solvents. Where separate solvents are used to dissolve the sweetener composition and binding agent, the solvents may be the same or different before being combined into a single solution. Any solvent in which the Reb X sweetener composition and/or binding agent dissolves may be used. Desirably, the solvent is a food grade solvent, examples of which include ethanol, water, isopropanol, methanol, and mixtures thereof. In order to effect complete mixing of the premix, the premix may be heated up to a temperature in the range of about 30 to about 100°C. As used herein, the term "effect mixing" means blending sufficiently so as to form a mixture.
The amount of binding agent in the solution may vary depending on a variety of factors, including the binding strength of the particular binding agent and the particular solvent chosen. The binding agent is generally present in the premix solution in an amount from about 1 to about 50 % by weight of the premix solution, or from about 5 to about 25 % by weight. The weight ratio of the binding agent to the Reb X sweetener composition in the premix solution may vary from as low as about 1:10 to as high as about 10:1. The weight ratio of the binding agent to the Reb X sweetener composition may also vary from about 0.5:1.0 to about 2:1.
Following preparation of the premix solution, the premix solution is applied onto a fluidized carrier using a fluid bed agglomeration mixer. Preferably, the premix is applied onto the fluidized carrier by spraying the premix onto the fluidized carrier to form an agglomerate of the Reb X sweetener composition and the carrier. The fluid bed agglomerator may be any suitable fluid bed agglomerator known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the fluid bed agglomerator may be a batch, a continuous, or a continuous turbulent flow agglomerator.
The carrier is fluidized and its temperature is adjusted to between about 20 and about 50°C, or to between about 35 and about 45°C. The carrier may be heated to about 40°C. The carrier may be placed into a removable bowl of a fluid bed agglomerator. After the bowl is secured to the fluid bed agglomerator, the carrier is fluidized and heated as necessary by adjusting the inlet air temperature. The temperature of the inlet air can be maintained between about 50 and about 100°C. For example, to heat the fluidized carrier to about 40°C, the inlet air temperature may be adjusted to between about 70 and about 75°C.
Once the fluidized carrier reaches the desired temperature, the premix solution may be applied through the spray nozzle of the fluid bed agglomerator. The premix solution may be sprayed onto the fluidized carrier at any rate which is effective to produce an agglomerate having the desired particle size distribution. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a number of parameters may be adjusted to obtain the desired particle size distribution. After spraying is completed, the agglomerate may be allowed to dry. The agglomerate may be allowed to dry until the outlet air temperature reaches about 35 to about 40°C.
The amount of the Reb X sweetener composition, carrier, and binding agent in the resulting agglomerates may be varied depending on a variety of factors, including the selection of binding agent and carrier as well as the desired sweetening potency of the agglomerate. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the amount of Reb X sweetener composition present in the agglomerates may be controlled by varying the amount of the Reb X sweetener composition that is added to the premix solution. The amount of sweetness is particularly important when trying to match the sweetness delivered by other natural and/or synthetic sweeteners in a variety of products.
The weight ratio of the carrier to the Reb X sweetener composition may be between about 1:10 and about 10:1, or between about 0.5:1.0 and about 2:1. The Reb X sweetener composition may be present in the agglomerates in an amount in the range of about 0.1 to about 99.9 % by weight, the carrier may be present in the agglomerates in an amount in the range of about 50 to about 99.9 % by weight, and the amount of binding agent may be present in the agglomerates in an amount in the range of about 0.1 to about 15 % by weight based on the total weight of the agglomerate. The amount of the Reb X sweetener composition present in the agglomerate may be in the range of about 50 to about 99.9 % by weight, the amount of carrier present in the agglomerate may be in the range of about 75 to about 99 % by weight, and the amount of binding agent present in the agglomerate may be in the range of about 1 to about 7 % by weight.
The particle size distribution of the agglomerates may be determined by sifting the agglomerate through screens of various sizes. The product also may be screened to produce a narrower particle size distribution, if desired. For example, a 14 mesh screen may be used to remove large particles and produce a product of especially good appearance, particles smaller than 120 mesh may be removed to obtain an agglomerate with improved flow properties, or a narrower particle size distribution may be obtained if desired for particular applications.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the particle size distribution of the agglomerate may be controlled by a variety of factors, including the selection of binding agent, the concentration of the binding agent in solution, the spray rate of the spray solution, the atomization air pressure, and the particular carrier used. For example, increasing the spray rate may increase the average particle size.
The agglomerates disclosed herein may be blended with blending agents. Blending agents, as used herein, include a broad range of ingredients commonly used in foods or beverages, including, those ingredients used as binding agents, carriers, bulking agents, and sweeteners. For example, the agglomerates may be used to prepare tabletop sweeteners or powdered drink mixes by dry blending the agglomerates with blending agents commonly used to prepare tabletop sweeteners or powdered drink mixes using methods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Extrudates

Also disclosed herein are substantially dustless and substantially free-flowing extrudates or extruded agglomerates of the Reb X sweetener composition. Such particles may be formed with or without the use of binders using extrusion and spheronization processes.
"Extrudates" or "extruded sweetener composition", as used herein, refers to cylindrical, free-flowing, relatively non-dusty, mechanically strong granules of the Reb X sweetener composition. The terms "spheres" or "spheronized sweetener composition", as used herein, refer to relatively spherical, smooth, free-flowing, relatively non-dusty, mechanically strong granules. Although spheres typically have a smoother surface and may be stronger/harder than extrudates, extrudates offer a cost advantage by requiring less processing. The spheres and extrudates may be processed further, if desired, to form various other particles, such as, for example, by grinding or chopping.
Processes for making extrudates of the Reb X sweetener composition are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are described in more detail in U.S. Patent 6,365,216 . Generally described, the process of making extrudates of a Reb X sweetener composition comprises the steps of combining the Reb X sweetener composition, a plasticizer, and optionally a binder to form a wet mass; extruding the wet mass to form extrudates; and drying the extrudates to obtain particles of the Reb X sweetener composition.
Examples of suitable plasticizers include, water, glycerol, and mixtures thereof. In accordance with certain embodiments, the plasticizer generally is present in the wet mass in an amount from about 4 to about 45 % by weight, or from about 15% to about 35 % by weight.
Examples of suitable binders include, polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP), maltodextrins, microcrystalline cellulose, starches, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), gum arabic, gelatin, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof. The binder is generally present in the wet mass in an amount from about 0.01% to about 45 % by weight, or from about 0.5% to about 10 % by weight.
The binder may be dissolved in the plasticizer to form a binder solution that is later added to the Reb X sweetener composition and other optional ingredients. Use of the binder solution provides better distribution of the binder through the wet mass.
Other optional ingredients that may be included in the wet mass include carriers and additives. One of ordinary skill in the art should readily appreciate that the carriers and additives may comprise any typical food ingredient and also should readily discern the appropriate amount of a given food ingredient to achieve a desired flavor, taste, or functionality.
Methods of extruding the wet mass to form extrudates are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A low pressure extruder fitted with a die may be used to form the extrudates. The extrudates can be cut into lengths using a cutting device attached to the discharge end of the extruder to form extrudates that are substantially cylindrical in shape and may have the form of noodles or pellets. The shape and size of the extrudates may be varied depending upon the shape and size of the die openings and the use of the cutting device.
Following the extrusion of the extrudates, the extrudates are dried using methods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A fluidized bed dryer may be used to dry the extrudates.
Optionally, the extrudates are formed into spheres prior to the step of drying. Spheres are formed by charging the extrudates into a marumerizer, which consists of a vertical hollow cylinder (bowl) with a horizontal rotating disc (friction plate) therein. The rotating disc surface can have a variety of textures suited for specific purposes. For example, a grid pattern may be used that corresponds to the desired particle size. The extrudates are formed into spheres by contact with the rotating disc and by collisions with the wall of the bowl and between particles. During the forming of the spheres, excess moisture may move to the surface or thixotropic behavior may be exhibited by the extrudates, requiring a slight dusting with a suitable powder to reduce the probability that the particles will stick together.
As previously described, the extrudates of the Reb X sweetener composition may be formed with or without the use of a binder. The formation of extrudates without the use of a binder is desirable due to its lower cost and improved product quality. In addition, the number of additives in the extrudates is reduced. Where the extrudates are formed without the use of a binder, the method of forming particles further comprises the step of heating the wet mass of the Reb X sweetener composition and plasticizer to promote the binding of the wet mass. Desirably, the wet mass is heated to a temperature from about 30 to about 90°C, or from about 40 to about 70°C. Methods of heating the wet mass, include, an oven, a kneader with a heated jacket, or an extruder with mixing and heating capabilities.

Granules

Granulated forms of a Reb X sweetener composition are disclosed herein. As used herein, the terms "granules," "granulated forms," and "granular forms" are synonymous and refer to free-flowing, substantially non-dusty, mechanically strong agglomerates of the Reb X sweetener composition.
Processes for making granular forms of a Reb X sweetener composition are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are described in more detail in the PCT Publication WO 01/60842 . Such methods include, spray granulation using a wet binder with or without fluidization, powder compaction, pulverizing, extrusion, and tumble agglomeration. The preferred method of forming granules is powder compaction due to its simplicity. Also disclosed herein are compacted forms of the sweetener Reb X composition.
The process of forming granules of the Reb X sweetener composition may comprise the steps of compacting the Reb X sweetener composition to form compacts; breaking up the compacts to form granules; and optionally screening the granules to obtain granules of the Reb X sweetener composition having a desired particle size.
Methods of compacting the Reb X sweetener composition may be accomplished using any known compacting techniques. Examples of such techniques include roller compaction, tableting, slugging, ram extrusion, plunger pressing, roller briquetting, reciprocating piston processing, die pressing and pelletting. The compacts may take any form that may be subjected to subsequent size reduction, examples of which include flakes, chips, briquets, chunks, and pellets. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and appearance of the compacts will vary depending upon the shape and surface characteristics of the equipment used in the compacting step. Accordingly, the compacts may appear smooth, corrugated, fluted, or pillow-pocketed, or the like. In addition, the actual size and characteristics of the compacts will depend upon the type of equipment and operation parameters employed during compaction.
The Reb X sweetener composition may be compacted into flakes or chips using a roller compactor. A conventional roller compaction apparatus usually includes a hopper for feeding the sweetener composition to be compacted and a pair of counter-rotating rolls, either or both of which are fixed onto their axes with one roll optionally slightly moveable. The Reb X sweetener composition is fed to the apparatus through the hopper by gravity or a force-feed screw. The actual size of the resulting compacts will depend upon the width of the roll and scale of the equipment used. In addition, the characteristics of the compacts, such as hardness, density, and thickness will depend on factors such as pressure, roll speed, feed rate, and feed screw amps employed during the compaction process.
The sweetener composition may be deaerated prior to the step of compacting, leading to more effective compaction and the formation of stronger compacts and resultant granules. Deaeration may be accomplished through any known means, examples of which include screw feeding, vacuum deaeration, and combinations thereof.
A dry binder may be mixed with the Reb X sweetener composition prior to compaction. The use of a dry binder may improve the strength of the granules and aid in their dispersion in liquids. Suitable dry binders include, pregelatinized corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, hydrophilic polymers (e.g., methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, alginates, xanthan gum, gellan gum, and gum arabic) and mixtures thereof. The dry binder generally is present in an amount from about 0.1 to about 40 % by weight based on the total weight of the mixture of the Reb X sweetener composition and dry binder.
Following the step of compacting, the compacts are broken up to form granules. Any suitable means of breaking up the compacts may be used, including milling. The breaking up of the compacts may be accomplished in a plurality of steps using a variety of opening sizes for the milling. The breaking up of the compacts may be accomplished in two steps: a course breaking step and a subsequent milling step. The step of breaking up the compacts reduces the number of "overs" in the granulated sweetener composition. As used herein, "overs" refers to material larger than the largest desired particle size.
The breaking up of the compacts generally results in granules of varying sizes. Accordingly, it may be desirable to screen the granules to obtain granules having a desired particle size range. Any conventional means for screening particles may be used to screen the granules, including screeners and sifters. Following screening, the "fines" optionally may be recycled through the compactor. As used herein, "fines" refers to material smaller than the smallest desired particle size.

Co-Dried Sweetener Composition

Also described herein are co-dried Reb X sweetener compositions comprising a Reb X sweetener composition and one or more co-agents. Co-agent, as used herein, includes any ingredient which is desired to be used with and is compatible with the sweetener composition for the product being produced. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the co-agents will be selected based on one or more functionalities which are desirable for use in the product applications for which the sweetener composition will be used. A broad range of ingredients are compatible with the sweetener compositions, and can be selected for such functional properties. The one or more co-agents may comprise the at least one additive of the sweetener composition described herein below. The one or more co-agents may comprise a bulking agent, flow agent, encapsulating agent, or a mixture thereof.
A method of co-drying a Reb X sweetener composition and one or more co-agents is described herein. Such methods are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are described in more detail in PCT Publication WO 02/05660 . Any conventional drying equipment or technique known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be used to co-dry the Reb X sweetener composition and one or more co-agents. Suitable drying processes include, spray drying, convection drying, vacuum drum drying, freeze drying, pan drying, and high speed paddle drying.
The Reb X sweetener composition may be spray dried. A solution is prepared of the Reb X sweetener composition and one or more desired co-agents. Any suitable solvent or mixture of solvents may be used to prepare the solution, depending on the solubility characteristics of the Reb X sweetener composition and one or more co-agents. Suitable solvents include, water, ethanol, and mixtures thereof.
The solution of the Reb X sweetener composition and one or more co-agents may be heated prior to spray drying. The temperature can be selected on the basis of the dissolution properties of the dry ingredients and the desired viscosity of the spray drying feed solution.
A non-reactive, non-flammable gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) may be added to the solution of the Reb X sweetener composition and one or more co-agents before atomization. The non-reactive, non-flammable gas can be added in an amount effective to lower the bulk density of the resulting spray dried product and to produce a product comprising hollow spheres.
Methods of spray drying are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The solution of the Reb X sweetener composition and one or more co-agents may be fed through a spray dryer at an air inlet temperature in the range of about 150 to about 350°C. Increasing the air inlet temperature at a constant air flow may result in a product having reduced bulk density. The air outlet temperature may range from about 70 to about 140°C, in accordance with certain embodiments. Decreasing the air outlet temperature may result in a product having a high moisture content which allows for ease of agglomeration in a fluid bed dryer to produce sweetener compositions having superior dissolution properties.
Any suitable spray drying equipment may be used to co-dry the Reb X sweetener composition and one or more co-agents. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the equipment selection may be tailored to obtain a product having particular physical characteristics. For example, foam spray drying may be used to produce low bulk density products. Alternatively, a fluid bed may be attached to the exit of the spray dryer to produce a product having enhanced dissolution rates for use in instant products. Examples of spray dryers include, co-current nozzle tower spray dryers, co-current rotary atomizer spray dryers, counter-current nozzle tower spray dryers, and mixed-flow fountain nozzle spray dryers.
The resulting co-dried Reb X sweetener compositions may be further treated or separated using techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a desired particle size distribution can be obtained by using screening techniques. Alternatively, the resulting co-dried Reb X sweetener compositions may undergo further processing, such as agglomeration.
Spray drying uses liquid feeds that can be atomized (e.g., slurries, solutions, and suspensions). Alternative methods of drying may be selected depending on the type of feed. For example, freeze drying and pan drying are capable of handling not only liquid feeds, as described above, but also wet cakes and pastes. Paddle dryers, such as high speed paddle dryers, can accept slurries, suspensions, gels, and wet cakes. Vacuum drum drying methods, although primarily used with liquid feeds, have great flexibility in handling feeds having a wide range of viscosities.
The resulting co-dried Reb X sweetener compositions have surprising functionality for use in a variety of systems. Notably, the co-dried Reb X sweetener compositions are believed to have superior taste properties. In addition, co-dried Reb X sweetener compositions may have increased stability in low-moisture systems.
The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Purification of Reb X from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant leaves (Reference)

Two kg of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant leaves were dried at 45°C to an 8.0% moisture content and ground to 10-20 mm particles. The content of different glycosides in the leaves was as follows: Stevioside - 2.55%, Reb A - 7.78%, Reb B - 0.01%, Reb C - 1.04%, Reb D - 0.21%, Reb F - 0.14%, Reb X - 0.10% Dulcoside A-0.05%, and Steviolbioside - 0.05%. The dried material was loaded into a continuous extractor and the extraction was carried out with 40.0 L of water at a pH of 6.5 at 40°C for 160 min. The filtrate was collected and subjected to chemical treatment. Calcium oxide in the amount of 400 g was added to the filtrate to adjust the pH within the range of 8.5-9.0, and the mixture was maintained for 15 min with slow agitation. Then, the pH was adjusted to around 3.0 by adding 600 g of FeCl₃ and the mixture was maintained for 15 min with slow agitation. A small amount of calcium oxide was further added to adjust the pH to 8.5-9.0 and the mixture was maintained for 30 min with slow agitation. The precipitate was removed by filtration on a plate-and-frame filter press using cotton cloth as the filtration material. The slightly yellow filtrate was passed through the column, packed with cation-exchange resin Amberlite FCP22 (H⁺) and then, through the column with anion-exchange resin Amberlite FPA53 (OH^-). The flow rate in both columns was maintained at SV=0.8 hour^-1. After completion both columns were washed with RO water to recover the steviol glycosides left in the columns and the filtrates were combined. The portion of combined solution containing 120 g total steviol glycosides was passed through seven columns, wherein each column was packed with specific macroporous polymeric adsorbent YWD-03 (Cangzhou Yuanwei, China). The first column with the size of 1/3 of the others acted as a "catcher column". The SV was around 1.0 hour^-1. After all extract was passed through the columns, the resin sequentially was washed with 1 volume of water, 2 volumes of 0.5% NaOH, 1 volume of water, 2 volumes of 0.5% HCl, and finally with water until the pH was 7.0. The "catcher column" was washed separately. Desorption of the adsorbed steviol glycosides was carried out with 52% ethanol at SV=1.0 hour^-1. Desorption of the first "catcher column" was carried out separately and the filtrate was not mixed with the main solution obtained from other columns. Desorption of the last column also was carried out separately. The quality of extract from different columns with specific macroporous adsorbent is shown in Table 1. Table 1

Columns Total steviol glycosides, %

1 (catcher) 55.3

2 92.7

3 94.3

4 96.1

5 96.3

6 95.8

7 80.2
Eluates from second to sixth columns were combined and treated separately. The combined solution of steviol glycosides was mixed with 0.3% of activated carbon from the total volume of solution. The suspension was maintained at 25°C for 30 min with continuous agitation. Separation of carbon was carried out on a press-filtration system. For additional decolorization the filtrate was passed through the columns packed with cation-exchange resin Amberlite FCP22 (H⁺) followed with anion-exchange resin Amberlite FPA53 A30B (OH^-). The flow rate in both columns was around SV=0.5 hour^-1. The ethanol was distilled using a vacuum evaporator. The solids content in the final solution was around 15%. The concentrate was passed through the columns packed with cation-exchange resin Amberlite FCP22 (H⁺) and anion-exchange resin Amberlite FPA53 (OH^-) with SV=0.5 hour^-1. After all the solution was passed through the columns, both resins were washed with RO water to recover the steviol glycosides left in the columns. The resulting refined extract was transferred to the nano-filtration device, concentrated to around 52% of solids content and spray dried to provide a highly purified mixture of steviol glycosides. The yield was 99.7 g. The mixture contained Stevioside - 20.5%, Reb A - 65.6%, Reb B - 0.1%, Reb C - 8.4%, Reb D - 0.5%, Reb F - 1.1%, Reb X - 0.1%, Dulcoside A - 0.4%, and Steviolbioside - 0.4%.
The combined eluate from the last column, contained about 5.3 g of total steviol glycosides including 2.3 g Reb D and around 1.9 g Reb X (35.8% Reb X / TSG ratio). It was deionized and decolorized as discussed above and then concentrated to a 33.5% content of total solids.
The concentrate was mixed with two volumes of anhydrous methanol and maintained at 20-22°C for 24 hours with intensive agitation.
The resulting precipitate was separated by filtration and washed with about two volumes of absolute methanol. The yield of Reb X was 1.5 g with around 80% purity.
For the further purification the precipitate was suspended in three volumes of 60% methanol and treated at 55°C for 30 min, then cooled down to 20-22°C and agitated for another 2 hours.
The resulting precipitate was separated by filtration and washed with about two volumes of absolute methanol and subjected to similar treatment with a mixture of methanol and water.
The yield of Reb X was 1.2 g with 97.3% purity.

Example 2: Sensory Properties of Reb X

The sensory properties of Reb X were evaluated in acidified water (pH 3.0 by phosphoric acid) at 500 mg/L concentration by 20 panelists. The results are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2: Evaluation of steviol glycosides at 500 ppm (pH 3.0)

Taste attribute	Number of panelists detected the attribute
	Stevioside (500 ppm)	Reb A (500 ppm)	Reb D (500 ppm)	Reb X (500 ppm)	Sucrose (10,000 ppm)
Bitter taste	20	20	3	0	0
Astringent taste	20	20	3	0	0
Licorice taste	20	20	2	0	0
Sweet Aftertaste	20	20	5	0	0

Comments
Quality of sweet taste	Bitter aftertaste (20 of 20)	Bitter aftertaste (20 of 20)	Clean (9 of 20)	Clean (20 of 20)	Clean (20 of 20)
Overall evaluation	Satisfactory (0 of 20)	Satisfactory (1 of 20)	Satisfactory (11 of 20)	Satisfactory (20 of 20)	Satisfactory (20 of 20)

The above results clearly show that Reb X possesses superior taste profile to already known steviol glycosides.

Example 3: Structure Elucidation of Reb X (Reference)

HRMS: HRMS (High Resolution Mass Spectrum) data was generated with a Waters Premier Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source operated in the positive-ion mode. Samples were diluted and eluted with a gradient of 2:2:1 methanol: acetonitrile: water and introduced 50 µL via infusion using the onboard syringe pump
NMR: The sample was dissolved in deuterated pyridine (C₅D₅N) and NMR spectra were acquired on Varian Unity Plus 600 MHz instruments using standard pulse sequences. The chemical shifts are given in δ (ppm), and coupling constants are reported in Hz.
The complete ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral assignments for the diterpene glycoside rebaudioside X determined on the basis of 1D (¹H and ¹³C) and 2D (COSY, HMQC and HMBC) NMR as well as high resolution mass spectroscopic data:

Discussion

The molecular formula was deduced as C₅₆H₉₀O₃₃ on the basis of its positive high resolution (HR) mass spectrum ( FIG. 6 ) which showed an [M+NH₄ ⁺] ion at mlz 1308.5703 together with an [M+Na+] adduct at mlz 1313.5274. This composition was supported by ¹³C NMR spectral data ( FIG. 7 ). The ¹H NMR spectrum ( FIG. 8 ) showed the presence of two methyl singlets at δ 1.32 and 1.38, two olefinic protons as singlets at δ 4.90 and 5.69 of an exocyclic double bond, nine methylene and two methine protons between δ 0.75-2.74 characteristic for the ent-kaurane diterpenoids isolated earlier from the genus Stevia.
The basic skeleton of ent-kaurane diterpenoids was supported by COSY ( FIG. 9 ): H-1/H-2; H-2/H-3; H-5/H-6; H-6/H-7; H-9/H-11; H-11/H-12 correlations.
The basic skeleton of ent-kaurane diterpenoids was also supported by HMBC ( FIG. 10 ): H-1/C-2, C-1O; H-3/C-1, C-2, C-4, C-5, C-18, C-19; H-5/C-4, C-6, C-7, C-9, C-10, C-18, C-19, C-20; H-9/C-8, C-10, C-11, C-12, C-14, C-15; H-14/C-8, C-9, C-13, C-15, C-16 and H-17/C-13, C-15, C-16 correlations.

The ¹H NMR spectrum also showed the presence of anomeric protons resonating at δ 5.31, 5.45, 5.46, 5.48, 5.81, and 6.39; suggesting six sugar units in its structure. Enzymatic hydrolysis furnished an aglycone which was identified as steviol by comparison of co-TLC with standard compound. Acid hydrolysis with 5% H₂SO₄ afforded glucose which was identified by direct comparison with authentic samples by TLC. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR values for all protons and carbons were assigned on the basis of COSY, HMQC and HMBC correlations (Table 3).

Table 3. ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data for Rebaudioside X in C₅D₅N ^a-c.

Position	¹³C NMR	¹H NMR
1	40.3	0.75 t (13.2)
1	40.3	1.76 m
2	19.6	1.35 m
2	19.6	2.24 m
3	38.4	1.01 m
3	38.4	2.30 d (13.3)
4	44.3	---
5	57.4	1.06 d (12.8)
6	23.5	2.23 m
6	23.5	2.41 q (13.2)
7	42.6	1.41 m
7	42.6	1.80 m
8	41.2	---
9	54.3	0.91 d (7.7)
10	39.7	---
11	20.2	1.65 m
11	20.2	1.75 m
12	38.5	1.86 m
12	38.5	2.73 m
13	87.6	---
14	43.3	2.02 m
14	43.3	2.74 m
15	46.5	1.88 d (16.4)
15	46.5	2.03 m
16	153.3	---
17	104.9	4.90 s
17	104.9	5.69 s
18	28.2	1.32 s
19	176.9	---
20	16.8	1.38 s
1'	94.9	6.39 d (8.2)
2'	76.9	4.51 t (8.5)
3'	88.6	5.09 t (8.5)
4'	70.1	4.18 m
5'	78.4	4.13 m
6'	61.8	4.20 m
6'	61.8	4.31 m
1"	96.2	5.46 d (7.1)
2"	81.4	4.13 m
3"	87.9	4.98 t (8.5)
4"	70.4	4.07 t (9.6)
5"	77.7	3.94 m
6"	62.6	4.19 m
6"	62.6	4.32 m
1"'	104.8	5.48 d (7.7)
2"'	75.8	4.15 m
3"'	78.6	4.13 m
4"'	73.2	3.98 m
5"'	77.6	3.74 ddd (2.8, 6.4, 9.9)
6"'	64.0	4.27 m
6"'	64.0	4.51m
1""	103.9	5.45 d (7.5)
2""	75.6	3.98 m
3""	77.8	4.50 t (7.8)
4""	71.3	4.14 m
5""	78.0	3.99 m
6""	62.1	4.20 m
6""	62.1	4.32 m
1""'	104.2	5.81 d (7.2)
2""'	75.5	4.20 m
3""'	78.4	4.20 m
4""'	73.6	4.10 m
5""'	77.8	3.90 ddd (2.8, 6.4, 9.9)
6""'	64.0	4.32 m
6""'	64.0	4.64 d (10.3)
1"""	104.1	5.31 d (8.0)
2"""	75.5	3.95 m
3"""	78.0	4.37 t (9.1)
4"""	71.1	4.10 m
5"""	78.1	3.85 ddd (1.7, 6.1, 9.9)
6"""	62.1	4.10 m
6"""	62.1	4.32 m

^a assignments made on the basis of COSY, HMQC and HMBC correlations; ^b Chemical shift values are in δ (ppm); ^cCoupling constants are in Hz.

Based on the results from NMR spectral data, it was concluded that there are six glucosyl units. A close comparison of the ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectrum of Reb X with rebaudioside D suggested that Reb X was also a steviol glycoside which had three glucose residues that attached at the C-13 hydroxyl as a 2,3-branched glucotriosyl substituent and another 2,3-branched glucotriosyl moiety in the form of an ester at C-19.
The key COSY and HMBC correlations suggested the placement of the sixth glucosyl moiety at the C-3 position of Sugar I. The large coupling constants observed for the six anomeric protons of the glucose moieties at δ 5.31 (d, J=8.0 Hz), 5.45 (d, J=7.5 Hz), 5.46 (d, J=7.1 Hz), 5.48 (d, J=7.7 Hz), 5.81 (d, J=7.2 Hz), and 6.39 (d, J=8.2 Hz), suggested their β-orientation as reported for steviol glycosides. Based on the results of NMR and mass spectral studies and in comparison with the spectral values of rebaudioside A and rebaudioside D, Reb X was assigned as (13-[2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy] ent kaur-16-en-19-oic acid-[2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3-O-β-D-glycopyranosyl) ester.

Example 4: Taste Evaluation of Rebaudioside X

The taste properties of a sample of Reb X were studied against Rebaudioside A (Reb A) and Rebaudioside D (Reb D) samples. Reb A was obtained from Cargill (lot# 1040) and Reb-D was obtained from PureCircle (lot # 11/3/08).
The samples were prepared at 500 ppm for sweetness evaluation by adding moisture compensated mass into a 100 mL sample of carbon-treated water and citric buffer solutions.
Citric buffer was prepared by mixing 1.171 g/L citric acid, 0.275 g/L sodium citrate and 0.185 g/L sodium benzoate with carbon-treated water, with a final pH of 3.22. The mixtures were moderately stirred at room temperature. The Reb X sample was then evaluated against the two control Reb A and Reb D samples in water and citric buffer at room temperature (RT) and at 4°C in an ice bath by one experienced panelist for any tasting quality determinations using the controlled, multi-sip and swallow taste method shown below:

1. Take first sip (~1.8 mL) of control and swallow. Wait for 15-25 sec, then take second sip of control and wait for 15-25 sec.
2. Take first sip of the experimental sample, wait for 15-25 sec, then take second sip. Compare to second sip of control.
3. Repeat steps #1 and #2 for the third and fourth sips of the control and experimental samples to confirm the initial finding.

Discussion:

The taste evaluation results of the Reb X samples against the control Reb A and Reb D samples at 500 ppm in citric buffer (CB) at 4°C and RT are described in Table 4.

Table 4

Sample	Taste Properties
Reb A (room temperature)	Delayed sweetness onset, significant lingering sweet aftertaste, licorice and bitter off-notes.
Reb X (room temperature)	Clean sweet taste. Broad and full sweetness profile. Moderate sweetness linger aftertaste similar to aspartame. No bitter or licorice off-notes. Much better temporal profile than Reb A or Reb D.
	Smooth and broad sweetness temporal profile and quality similar to sucrose
Reb D (room	Delayed sweetness onset, less sweetness linger as compared to Reb
temperature)	A, no bitter off-notes.
Reb A (4°C)	Similar taste quality as Reb A at room but significantly more sweet
Reb X (4°C)	Similar taste quality as Reb X at room temperature
Reb D (4°C)	Similar taste quality as Reb D at room but significantly more sweet

The taste quality of Reb X at room temperature and 4°C was similar. The taste quality of Reb X was much better than Reb A or Reb D. The Reb X did not display a pure sugar-like tasting quality but rather contained a fatty-like or broader sweet temporal profile and less sweetness linger than that of Reb A. Similar to Reb D, Reb X did not have the astringency or sweetness intense (depth) and bitterness notes compared to that of the Reb A in citrate buffer system.

Example 5: Solubility Studies of Reb X in Carbon-Treated Water and Citrate Buffer

The samples used to evaluate the taste properties in Example 2 were also used for solubility studies. At 500 ppm concentrations in citrate buffer, the initial solubility test revealed that Reb X has a similar, limited but significantly greater solubility than that of Reb D and significantly less solubility than Reb A.

Further solubility tests revealed the detailed data of concentration and time to solubilize, as shown in Table 5:

Table 5

Reb X concentration in matrix system	Estimated time to solubilize (minutes)
0.01 % in carbon-treated water	15
0.02 % in carbon-treated water	25
0.04 % in carbon-treated water	33
0.05 % in carbon-treated water	39
0.075 % in carbon-treated water	55
0.10% in carbon-treated water	106
0.15 % in carbon-treated water	Insoluble after 20 hours
0.01 % in citrate buffer	25
0.02 % in citrate buffer	25
0.04 % in citrate buffer	35
0.05 % in citrate buffer	42
0.075 % in citrate buffer	55
0.10% in citrate buffer	106
0.15 % in citrate buffer	Insoluble after 20 hours

Example 6: Isosweetness Determination of Reb X

The isosweetness levels of Reb X in a citric buffer system at room temperature and 4°C were evaluated. A 600 ppm stock solution of Reb X was prepared by adding a mass of 0.15 g into a 250 mL sample of citric buffer (CB) solution. The mixture was moderately stirred at warmer temperature (up to ca. 52°C) on a heated stirrer for about 15-20 minutes and then cooled. The citric buffer was prepared by adding 1.6 g citric acid, 0.6 g potassium citrate and 0.253 g sodium benzoate in 1 L of carbon-treated water. The pH of the mixture was 3.1. Seven diluted Reb X solutions at 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm were prepared by adding a 2.08, 4.17, 8.33, 16.67, 25.00, 33.33 and 41.67 mL Reb X stock solution, respectively, into each 50 mL solution of CB. The controls of 0.75%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 15% sucrose equivalence (SE) were also prepared by adding sugar (w/v) into the CB. The mixtures were moderately stirred and then ready for the isosweetness determination test. The Reb X samples were then evaluated against the control sugar samples in citric buffer at room temperature (RT) and 4°C (in an ice bath) by one experienced taster for an isosweetness determination using the controlled, multi-sip and swallow taste method. The results are shown in Table 6.

Table 6

Reb X Concentration (ppm)	Estimated % Sweetness Equivalence in Citric Buffer at RT	Estimated % Sweetness Equivalence in Citric Buffer at 4°C
12.5	0.5	0.75
25	1.0-1.5	1.5
50	3.25-3.75	3.0-3.5
100	5.0	5.5
200	8.0	8.0
300	12.0	11.0-12.0
400	14.0-14.5	14.0-14.5
500	15.5-16.0	15.5-16.0
600	16.5-17.0	16.5-17.0

Discussion

The Reb X sample at 0.06% (w/v) was found to be very soluble and clear (colorless) in citric buffer at up to 52°C for ca. 15-20 minutes. No off-flavors at any Reb X concentrations in CB at 4°C were detected, except at least ca. 300 ppm which noticeably had a longer sweetness lingering. At all concentrations a pleasant sweetness tasting quality with a slight delay of sweetness onset and no bitterness was detected. Despite the stronger mouthfeel or texture effect (syrupy, thicker) at ca.15% sucrose, it was difficult to determine the isosweetness levels for at least 400 ppm of Reb X due to its thinner mouthfeel but broader and more impact sweetness temporal profile as well as its significant sweet lingering.
There was no significant sweetness intensity difference between RT and 4°C of the Reb X concentration range based on direct comparison with control sucrose at similar temperatures. Two repeated tests comparing 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm Reb X concentrations at RT and 4°C confirmed these initial results.

Example 7: Beverage Formulations

Flavored Black Tea: The taste properties of a flavored zero calorie black tea drink containing Reb A in a concentration of 250 ppm was compared to a comparable flavored zero calorie black tea drink with Reb X in a concentration of 250 ppm. The drink containing Reb X was determined to be much cleaner in finish with less sweetness linger and a more rounded overall sweetness profile.
Enhanced Water: The taste properties of a zero calorie enhanced water drink containing Reb A in a concentration of 200 ppm was compared to a comparable zero calorie enhanced water drink containing Reb X in a concentration of 200 ppm. The Reb X-containing drink was cleaner in finish and had reduced sweetness linger and a more rounded overall sweetness taste quality.
Orange-flavored sparking beverage: Reb X levels were evaluated in a zero calorie orange-flavored sparking beverage base to determine the effect of increasing sweetness. Samples of the orange-flavored sparkling beverage with Reb X in amounts between 400 and 750 ppm (in 50 ppm increments) were prepared. All samples tasted significantly better than comparable Reb A-containing formulations resulting in cleaner profiles with increased sweetness intensity and no negative aftertaste characteristic. Samples having 500 ppm and 550 ppm Reb X were found to be the closest in sweetness level to a 11.5 Brix high fructose corn syrup sweetened orange flavored sparkling beverage formulation.

Example 8: Reb X Sweetness vs. Concentration

2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10.0% sucrose solutions were prepared in neutral (7.0 pH) and acidified water (3.2 pH) as reference samples. Solutions containing Reb X (98% purity) were prepared to match the sweetness of each sucrose reference in neutral and acidified water. Samples were tasted and verified by a panel of trained tasters in water at room temperature. Table 7

Sweetness Equivalent (SE) 2.5% 5.0% 7.5% 10.0%

Reb X Concentration (ppm) 48 (Reference) 132 254 422

Sweetness Factor (SF) 521 380 295 237

Example 9: Sensory Comparison of Reb X and Reb A

To compare the sensory attributes between Reb X and Reb A, iso-sweet samples having 8% sucrose equivalent sweetness were made with filtered water as shown in Table 8. An 8% sugar solution in water at room temperature was used as a control.

Table 8

Ingredient	Reb A Formulation (weight percent of ingredient)	Reb X Formulation (weight percent of ingredient)
Water	99.95	99.95
Reb A (97% on a dry basis)	0.0510	0
Reb X (98% on a dry basis)	0	0.0423
Total	100%	100%

Acidified solutions of 250 ppm citric acid (pH 3.2) containing the same concentration of Reb X and Reb A as indicated in Table 8 were also prepared. An 8% sugar solution in the acidified solution was used as the control.
The samples prepared with filtered water were evaluated by 34 semi-trained panel members at room temperature. The samples prepared with acidified water were evaluated by 23 semi-trained panel members at room temperature. Samples were given to the panel members sequentially and coded with triple digit numbers. The order of sample presentation was randomized to avoid order of presentation bias. Water and unsalted crackers were provided in order to cleanse the palate. The panel members were asked to rate different attributes including sweetness onset, total sweetness, rounded sweetness, bitterness, acidity, leafy note, licorice, astringency, mouthfeel, mouth coating, sweet lingering, and bitter lingering. Samples were rated on a scale of zero (0) to ten (10), with zero indicating immediate onset, no intensity, watery/low viscosity, or very sharp peak, and ten indicating very delayed onset, high intensity, thick/high viscosity, or very round peak. One-way single factor ANOVA was used to analyze sensory results, where α=0.05. The results are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 .

Discussion

Although Reb A and Reb X exhibited similar sweetness intensity, the filtered water samples ( FIG. 11 ) showed reduced perception of bitterness, astringency and bitter lingering compared to Reb A. In acidified water, the perception of higher sweetness of Reb X over Reb A is significant ( FIG. 12 ). Reb X also showed faster sweetness onset, reduced non-sweet taste (bitterness, sour, astringency) and bitterness lingering.

Example 10: Sensory Comparison of Reb X and Other Non-Caloric Sweeteners Blends of Reb X and one other Non-Caloric Sweetener

To study the interaction between Reb X and other natural ingredients, Reb X was blended with Reb B, Reb D, Reb A, NSF-02 (PureCirle), Mogroside V (Mog), and erythritol at various concentrations (Table 9) in acidified water and sensory evaluations were performed. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the improvement in the sweetness profile, including sweetness intensity in presence of other co-ingredient/sweetener.

Table 9

Sampl e	RebX (ppm)	RebB (ppm)	RebD (ppm)	RebA (ppm)	Mog (ppm)	NSF02 (ppm)	Erythrito l (%)
1	300
2	300	100
3	300	50
4	300	50	50
5	300		100
6	200		100	100
7
8	200				200
9	300				100
10	300					25
11	300					100
12	300						1%
13	300						2%

The sweetened samples containing Reb X and Reb B were evaluated by 13 semi-trained panel members at room temperature. The sweetened samples containing Reb X and NSF-02 were evaluated by 11 semi-trained panel members at room temperature. The sweetened samples containing Reb X and mogroside V were evaluated by 9 semi-trained panel members at room temperature. The sweetened samples containing Reb X and erythritol were evaluated by 12 semi-trained panel members at room temperature. In all cases, samples were given to the panel members sequentially and coded with triple digit numbers. The order of sample presentation was randomized to avoid order of presentation bias. Water and unsalted crackers were provided in order to cleanse the palate. The panel members were asked to rate different attributes including sweetness onset, total sweetness, rounded sweetness, bitterness, acidity, leafy note, licorice, astringency, mouthfeel, mouth coating, sweet lingering, and bitter lingering. Samples were rated on a scale of zero (0) to ten (10), with zero indicating immediate onset, no intensity, watery/low viscosity, or very sharp peak, and ten indicating very delayed onset, high intensity, thick/high viscosity, or very round peak. One-way single factor ANOVA was used to analyze sensory results, where α=0.05. The results are shown in FIGS. 13 - 16.

Discussion

The Reb X/Reb B blends showed increased sweetness (i.e. synergy) compared to Reb X alone ( FIG. 14 ). The Reb X/Reb B blend also showed a more rounded sweetness profile with improvement in sweetness intensity, onset and bitterness perception compared to Reb X alone.
The Reb X/NSF-02 blends had an overall rounded taste profile ( FIG. 13 ). 25 ppm NSF-02 shows a slight improvement in overall sweetness profile over Reb X alone, but had little impact on other attributes. The Reb X/NSF-02 blend with 100 ppm NSF-02 had delayed sweetness onset and a slight increased sweetness intensity.
The Reb X/mogroside V blends had increased astringency, sourness and mouthcoating compared to the other blends evaluated ( FIG. 15 ). Higher mogroside V levels increased sweetness and sweetness lingering.
The Reb X/erythritol blends had an overall rounded taste profile ( FIG. 16 ). The blends had reduced acidity, reduced bitterness, reduced astringency and reduced bitterness lingering compared to Reb X alone. At levels above 1% (by weight), erythritol provides additional sweetness and earlier sweetness onset.

Blends of Reb X and two other non-caloric sweeteners

Three sets of the following formulations were prepared:

Formulation 1: 300 ppm Reb X
Formulation 2: 300 ppm Reb X and 100 ppm Reb A
Formulation 3: 300 ppm Reb X and 100 ppm Reb D

All samples were prepared in acidified water. The sweetened samples were evaluated by 7 semi-trained panel members at room temperature. Samples were given to the panel members sequentially and coded with triple digit numbers. The order of sample presentation was randomized to avoid order of presentation bias. Water and unsalted crackers were provided in order to cleanse the palate. The panel members were asked to rate different attributes including sweetness onset, total sweetness, rounded sweetness, bitterness, acidity, leafy note, licorice, astringency, mouthfeel, mouth coating, sweet lingering, and bitter lingering. Samples were rated on a scale of zero (0) to ten (10), with zero indicating immediate onset, no intensity, watery/low viscosity, or very sharp peak, and ten indicating very delayed onset, high intensity, thick/high viscosity, or very round peak. One-way single factor ANOVA was used to analyze sensory results, where α=0.05. The results are shown in FIG. 17 .

Discussion

Both formulation 2 (Reb X and Reb A) and formulation 3 (Reb X and Reb D) showed increased total sweetness and overall sweetness profile (sweetness peak) compared to Reb X alone. In addition, both formulations 2 and 3 showed decreased leafy note compared to Reb X alone. Formulation 3 showed higher improvement in sweetness intensity, overall sweetness profile, bitter lingering and sweet lingering.

Blends of Reb X and three other non-caloric sweeteners

Three sets of the following formulations were prepared:

Formulation 1: 300 ppm Reb X,
Formulation 2: 200 ppm Reb X, 100 ppm Reb A and 100 ppm Reb D
Formulation 3: 300 ppm Reb X, 50 ppm Reb B and 50 ppm Reb D.

All samples were prepared in acidified water. The sweetened samples were evaluated by 11 semi-trained panel members at room temperature. Samples were given to the panel members sequentially and coded with triple digit numbers. The order of sample presentation was randomized to avoid order of presentation bias. Water and unsalted crackers were provided in order to cleanse the palate. The panel members were asked to rate different attributes including sweetness onset, total sweetness, rounded sweetness, bitterness, acidity, leafy note, licorice, astringency, mouthfeel, mouth coating, sweet lingering, and bitter lingering. Samples were rated on a scale of zero (0) to ten (10), with zero indicating immediate onset, no intensity, watery/low viscosity, or very sharp peak, and ten indicating very delayed onset, high intensity, thick/high viscosity, or very round peak. One-way single factor ANOVA was used to analyze sensory results, where α=0.05. The results are shown in FIG. 18 .

Discussion

Both formulation 2 (Reb X, Reb A and Reb D) and formulation 3 (Reb X, Reb B and Reb D) showed increased sweetness onset, overall sweetness profile (sweetness peak) and decreased lingering (bitter and sweet lingering) compared to Reb X alone. Formulation 2, which had lower Reb X content compared to formulations 1 and 3, showed a greater improvement in overall sweetness profile and lingering.

Claims

A beverage comprising Rebaudioside X in an amount from 100 ppm to 600 ppm.
The beverage of claim 1, wherein Rebaudioside X is present in an amount from 100 ppm to 500 ppm.
The beverage of claim 1, wherein Rebaudioside X is present in an amount from 100 ppm to 400 ppm.
The beverage of claim 1, wherein Rebaudioside X is present in an amount from 400 ppm to 600 ppm.
The beverage of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional sweetener.
The beverage of claim 1, further comprising at least one functional ingredient selected from the group consisting of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, preservatives, glucosamine, polyphenols and combinations thereof.
The beverage of claim 1, wherein the beverage is a carbonated beverage selected from the group consisting of cola, lemon-lime flavored sparkling beverage, orange flavored sparkling beverage, grape flavored sparkling beverage, strawberry flavored sparkling beverage, pineapple flavored sparkling beverage, ginger ale, soft drinks and root beer; or a non-carbonated beverage selected from the group consisting of fruit juice, fruit-flavored juice, juice drinks, nectars, vegetable juice, vegetable-flavored juice, sports drinks, energy drinks, enhanced water drinks, enhanced water with vitamins, near water drinks, coconut water, tea type drinks, coffee, cocoa drink, beverage containing milk components, beverages containing cereal extracts and smoothies.
The beverage of claim 1, wherein the beverage comprises between 200 ppm and 500 ppm Reb X, wherein the liquid matrix of the beverage is selected from the group consisting of water, acidified water, phosphoric acid, phosphate buffer, citric acid, citrate buffer, carbon-treated water and combinations thereof.